Rumor Or Reality? Sanusi Says Presidency Plans To Divide Kano And Remove Him

The strained relationship came to the forefront when Sanusi, speaking at a Lagos event, stated that he would not help the government explain reforms, citing personal grievances.

Sanusi remarked, “I have chosen not to speak about the economy or explain these reforms because if I do, it would help this government, and I don’t want to assist them. They are my friends, but if they don’t act like friends, I won’t either.”

In response, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, downplayed the Emir’s role in the economic discourse, asserting that Tinubu’s administration does not require Sanusi’s endorsement.

“We do not need His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s stamp of approval for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative policies,” Idris said.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, further criticized Sanusi, accusing him of undermining national progress due to personal grievances.

He added, “His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than hinder reforms aimed at collective progress.”

History of Sanusi-Tinubu Relationship
Many were surprised by the fallout between the two former allies, considering their history of collaboration.

Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor, rose to prominence as a key critic of the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2013 after exposing unaccounted oil proceeds. Tinubu, then an opposition leader, supported Sanusi’s criticism, solidifying their alliance.

Tinubu, along with other political figures, supported Sanusi’s ascension as Emir of Kano in 2014. However, his outspoken nature led to conflicts with Kano’s former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, culminating in his dethronement in 2020.

The Role of Kano Politics
Sources close to the situation suggest that the ongoing legal battle over the Kano emirate throne has further strained relations between the two leaders.