Toba Owojaiye Reporting
In a recent development that has sparked nationwide debates, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former Emir of Kano and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, defended Bola Tinubu’s stance on the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria.
This move has led to an extensive exploration of the underlying economics and empathy within the political discourse by Farooq Kperogi.
The discussion began when a Facebook follower of the prominent columnist, Farooq Kperogi, posed a question about Sanusi’s persistent advocacy for the removal of fuel subsidies. Kperogi responded curtly, alleging that Sanusi’s privileged background rendered him devoid of empathy for those affected by such policies.
Sanusi’s subsequent statements in support of Tinubu’s administration’s role in Nigeria’s economic challenges further fanned the flames. Sanusi argued that the removal of fuel subsidies was essential due to Nigeria’s inability to sustain them. He, however, placed blame on President Buhari for not wholeheartedly adopting his recommendation to eliminate subsidies earlier.
Kperogi highlighted the irony of Sanusi’s position, considering that he had previously criticized Buhari for not eliminating subsidies. Now, as the subsidies have been removed, many Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented economic hardships, leading to increased suffering among the populace.
Sanusi’s response to this crisis was to encourage people to “endure the hardship,” without addressing the government’s lavish spending and corruption.
He pointed out the extravagance of government officials, such as Bola Tinubu’s expensive hotel accommodation in New York and the proposed $1.5 billion loan to buy cars for officials. However, critics of subsidies that primarily benefit the poor seldom address these excessive expenditures.
Another concern raised was the vast sums spent on non-functional refineries in Nigeria. Despite these apparent examples of wasteful spending, Sanusi seemed more concerned with removing subsidies that providing some relief to ordinary citizens.
Kperogi emphasized Sanusi’s inconsistency in economic arguments, noting his dismissal of concerns related to the cost of transportation and inflation when subsidies were removed in the past. However, he later lamented the plight of a mother who couldn’t afford $5 to save her child’s life.
The political analyst went further to pinpoint Sanusi’s controversial tenure as the Emir of Kano, where he was accused of mismanaging emirate funds and indulging in luxurious expenses while paying himself a hefty monthly salary.
These allegations of corruption and extravagance raised questions about his moral authority to advocate for the removal of subsidies benefiting the less fortunate.
He questioned the credibility of Sanusi’s economic arguments, pointing to his apparent inconsistency and the perception that he prioritizes elite interests over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. As fuel subsidies continue to be a contentious issue in Nigeria, the role of empathy and the economic implications of such policies remain at the forefront of the national conversation.