The Northern Patriotic Coalition for Democracy, NPCD, has knocked former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, over his recent comments on President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

Speaking at the 21st Chief Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, in Lagos on Wednesday, Sanusi had criticised the handling of the economy by Tinubu’s administration, noting that things are not being done correctly.

He also said the Tinubu government does not have credible people to explain its economic policies to Nigerians.

“Is everything being done correctly? No. When I’m ready to discuss the economy, I will. I can provide insights into the challenges we face, how they were predictable, and even avoidable. But I won’t.

“I’ve chosen not to comment on the economy, reforms, or anything that could benefit this government. They are my friends, but if they don’t act like friends, I won’t act like one either,” Sanusi had said.

The Federal Government had, in response, dismissed the Emir’s comments, noting that the Tinubu administration does not need his approval for its ‘laudable policies’.

Reacting to the development at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Northern Patriotic Coalition for Democracy, NPCD, described Sanusi’s comments as careless and misinformed.

Convener of the NPCD, Mohammed Yahaya, who addressed newsmen, said Sanusi lacks the moral justification to advise the government, accusing him of exacerbating the country’s economic problems.

NPCD faulted Sanusi’s policies as CBN governor, describing his tenure at the apex bank as controversial.

According to NPCP, Sanusi’s comments indicate a lack of genuine interest in the advancement of Nigeria.

Backing Tinubu’s economic reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates, NPCP noted that the administration’s policies have received the endorsement of global economic experts and institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, IMF.

“President Tinubu has taken bold steps to correct decades of economic mismanagement. The removal of the fuel subsidy, while initially challenging, was a necessary move to free up resources for critical infrastructure and social investments which has further helped mitigate its impact on the vulnerable populations

“The unification of the exchange rate has also been widely praised by global financial institutions, including the World Bank and IMF, as a step toward long-term economic stability.

“Secondly, it is worth noting that these reforms have received widespread support from global economic experts. The World Bank has projected positive growth for Nigeria’s economy in the coming years, affirming that we are on a path to recovery.

“Evidently, the Tinubu administration is steering Nigeria in the right direction, despite the temporary pains of adjustment. It is no news that President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated its openness to dialogue with stakeholders with meaningful contributions across various sectors.

“This government has prioritized transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are heard in shaping policies that directly affect their lives. Additionally, efforts are underway to communicate these policies effectively in local languages, ensuring that all Nigerians understand the benefits of these reforms.

“Rather than acknowledging these efforts or contributing positive ideas to enhance their effectiveness, Sanusi opted for a cynical and self-serving narrative. In contrast, what has Sanusi offered? Criticisms that are devoid of actionable solutions and reflect a parrot-like analysis of Nigeria’s economic situation.

“He speaks of problems but offers no roadmap for resolution. This pattern of empty rhetoric is unhelpful and unbecoming of someone who claims to be a patriot. We believe that such inconsistency raises serious questions about the integrity of his arguments.

“Does Sanusi have a personal grudge against the policies, or is his criticism motivated by anything else? His recent comments give a clear picture of being more about settling personal scores and furthering partisan goals than they are about the actual content of economic reforms.”

Urging Sanusi to engage constructively with the government to address the country’s challenges, NPCP called on Nigerians to reject divisive, counterproductive rhetorics.