Face-Off: Sanusi Backs Jonathan, Slams APC Government

Kano Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has expressed strong criticism towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for carrying out a policy that they had previously vehemently opposed.

During a recent address, Emir Sanusi highlighted the underlying motives behind the former president’s decision to reverse the subsidy removal, a major policy change that stirred considerable debate among stakeholders and citizens alike.

Sanusi, who previously served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), provided insight into the bold decision made by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 to eliminate fuel subsidies.

He argued that Jonathan’s actions should be recognized and praised, as they were aimed at addressing the country’s economic challenges and promoting fiscal responsibility. Sanusi emphasized the long-term benefits of that decision, suggesting that it was a courageous move necessary for Nigeria’s financial stability.

The monarch, who was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2011 when former President Goodluck Jonathan first removed the fuel subsidy, noted that the ex-president should be given the credit for taking the bold step then, even though Tinubu and some APC leaders staged protests then.

Why Jonathan reversed subsidy removal
According to Sanusi, Jonathan did not return the subsidy because of Tinubu and other APC chieftains’ protests, but because of the activities of Boko Haram. He explained that su!cide bombers are everywhere, and if protesters are bombed and 200 people die, the debate would no longer be about fuel subsidy.

Sanusi’s revelation has started generating mixed reactions from concerned Nigerians. Below are some of their reactions:
“Nah! I disagree with his highness on this. How do you take a subsidy lid off what you don’t produce? A product whose price is solely determined by international prices? All hell would have broken loose on Nigerians.”

JagabanWarrior commends Sanusi’s position:
“Sanusi made valid points — leadership is about timing and courage. Today, President Tinubu has taken that tough but necessary step to remove subsidy, not for politics, but for Nigeria’s long-term stability and progress.”

Menelik accused the former CBN governor:
“This man still lied that $20bn was missing from the NNPC. That was another loaded weapon for APC propaganda. They knew it was a lie but went to town with it nevertheless.”

Oloyede also faulted Sanusi’s claim:
“He himself was part of the people who contributed to that failure. Did they come out to sensitise the public at the time? Was he not the same person who told us $20b was moved from the CBN without accountability?”

Oluwole Ojekunle alleged subsidy fraud under Jonatha:
“I have said it many times, there was no subsidy during Jonathan; it was just subsidy fraud. Sannusi, a CBN governor, couldn’t conduct a simple analysis. If 1 $ was sold for #150 and a barrel was sold for $100 under Jonathan, its # value = 15k naira/barrel. How much would 1 litre cost if 150 litres are found in a barrel?”