Emir of Kano and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Muhammadu Sanusi II has made a fresh revelation about his time under two former presidents, stating that neither the late Umar Musa Yar'Adua nor Goodluck Jonathan exerted political pressure on him during his tenure at the apex bank. The statement, made in a trending video, has ignited widespread discussion among Nigerians, many of whom recall Sanusi's earlier criticisms of Jonathan's administration.
Sanusi Recalls No Pressure from Yar'Adua and Jonathan
In the video, Sanusi said: "I worked under former Presidents Yar'Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, and to be honest, during my years as Central Bank Governor, neither of them was overbearing politically." He was first appointed CBN governor by Yar'Adua and later retained by Jonathan after Yar'Adua's death. The revelation contrasts sharply with Sanusi's public stance during Jonathan's tenure, when he accused the government of mismanaging billions of dollars.
Nigerians React to Sanusi's Statement
Sanusi's comments have drawn sharp reactions online. User Seauton reminded Sanusi of his earlier complaints: "You complained bitterly about GEJ. Your submission on international and national media that the government, which you were part of, couldn't account for several billions of dollars, was an inflection point for the opposition that culminated in the demise of that administration." Another user, Godwin Robinson, alleged that Sanusi fabricated stories against Jonathan: "But it was said that you fabricated stories against GEJ to remove him from Aso Rock and make room for PMB, who eventually damaged the economy." Eaze noted the political irony: "Sanusi don turn preacher now. But wait, wasn't this the same man wey shout $20B missing under Jonathan till e get suspended? Na, politics or selective memory?" Chukwuka expressed distrust: "I don't believe anything he said because we remember what roles he played in 2014; he was one of those who accused PGJ of all the wrongs in this world." Lekan Lawal voiced anger: "Anytime I see this man talking about the good things the GEJ government did, I feel like cursing him. He was used by the opposition to bring down a government that was working for Nigerians."
Sanusi's Recent Criticism of Tinubu
This is not the first time Sanusi has spoken out recently. He earlier criticized President Bola Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy and continued borrowing. Speaking at an event, Sanusi questioned why the president kept borrowing after subsidy removal, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians.
