By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Government on Thursday reacted to recent remarks by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who commented on the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sanusi II, who spoke at a public event in Lagos on Wednesday, acknowledged the necessity of the reforms but revealed his decision not to publicly advise the government, citing personal reasons.

In a statement released by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government acknowledged Sanusi’s right to express his views.

However, it criticised his admission of withholding support, suggesting it stemmed from personal grievances rather than an objective assessment of the policies.

It urged the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in the form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being run.

“However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.

“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.

“This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated,” the minister noted.

The government reiterated the necessity of the reforms to address Nigeria’s longstanding economic challenges.

Idris noted, “The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are a ‘necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management’ more than anything else.”

It pointed to achievements such as the unification of exchange rates, which has increased investor confidence and foreign reserves, and the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has freed up resources for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Projections from international organisations, including the World Bank, were cited to demonstrate the positive impact of these measures on the country’s economic recovery.

The statement expressed disappointment at Sanusi’s perceived shift in loyalty, urging him to focus on contributing constructively to national development.

“We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust.

“Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions,” he noted.

The government stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among leaders during this critical period, emphasizing that divisive rhetoric undermines public trust and progress.

Tinubu’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable economy, welcoming constructive dialogue with stakeholders.

The government concluded by urging Nigerians to prioritise collective prosperity over personal or partisan interests, highlighting the shared goal of a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

*Visit to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria.

By Francesca Hangeior

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has accepted an invitation from President Bola Tinubu to visit Nigeria in 2025.

Tinubu, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President to participate in the Sustainability Week, urged his counterpart to collaborate with Nigeria to strengthen its economy.

This was disclosed in a State House release on Thursday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu extended the invitation to Al Nahyan on Wednesday night during their bilateral talks at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

The Sustainability Week is a forum for exchanging ideas to support sustainable development globally and encourage collective action to address challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and energy crises.

Earlier on Wednesday, President Tinubu delivered Nigeria’s position on climate issues and other global challenges and congratulated the UAE leader on the successful hosting of the event.

Tinubu, Obasanjo, Jonathan lead Nigerian delegation to Mahama’s inauguration
During their discussions, Al Nahyan thanked the Nigerian leader for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation with Nigeria.

The two leaders also explored strategies to attract investment into Nigeria.

“President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms are yielding results and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to further develop its economy,” the statement partly read.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s economic reforms have boosted foreign investor confidence, with international oil companies and other investors announcing billion-dollar investments, signifying renewed interest in doing business with Africa’s most populous nation.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accompanied Tinubu to the meeting.

Those who joined the UAE President included the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, among others.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked lands belonging to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, his Bayelsa counterpart, Douye Diri, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen.

In a statement, Lere Olayinka, the minister’s media aide, said the withdrawal of the R-of-O for 568 allottees followed the expiration of a two-week grace period to pay their C-of-O bills.
He noted that of the 3,273 allottees initially given two weeks in October 2024 to pay their bills, 568 remained in default after an additional grace period expired on January 15.

Also affected are the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hadejia; former governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, Senate Leader; Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Minority Leader; Abba Moro, Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Industry Trade and Investment; John Eno, Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM); Abike Dabiri-Erewa; late Sports Minister Bala Kaoje; and Regina Akume, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

The fresh revocation comes three weeks after the initial withdrawal of 762 plots of land from their allottees.