By Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
I have one request to make and Allah is my helper. Any attack on Nasir el Rufai or on Nuhu Ribadu is an attack on me. Nasir is to my mind is one of the greatest and most patriotic Nigerians to have served in public office and he is by far the best FCT minister we have ever had. Like all of us he is not perfect.
In my AIT interview I said I agreed with 90% of what he said a day before our interview and the two bits I didn’t agree with I stated: I don’t agree that there is no subsidy and I believe Nasir was quoting contributions from trusted experts which have been flying around recently including Prof Tam David West.
And we have debated this issue of accounting and economic concepts in this forum. I also do not agree that it is easy in the short-term to have massive fiscal retrenchment without a huge political backlash-indeed the fuel subsidy is one such case and retrenchment for instance would also bring people out.
But Nasir is one person for whom I have always had the highest level of personal respect. His integrity is beyond reproach-of course, people will say anything but after years of trying no one is yet able to show any evidence backing up allegations. Intellectually, I am yet to know anyone who can match him and this has been the case since the 1970s. Femi Fani-Kayode has written in Nasir’s defence but these are not Nasir’s words and if you knew Femi well you would not be surprised or bothered by his peculiar choice of language. I have seen Femi transit from a rabid ethnic chauvinist and christian fanatic who thought Obasanjo was a stooge of the backward Muslim north, to a minister in Obasanjo’s cabinet preaching national unity, and now to some freelance activist and public commentator.
This is just a stage he is going through but I like to think he means well. When AIT requested me to speak they never said it was to respond to Nasir and when we started and they played their clip we told them we didn’t want to personalise this. Nasir and I were friends and brothers as teenagers. We have remained friends and brothers and will remain
friends after office.
We don’t have to agree 100%. He also understands that so long as I am in government I have 100% loyalty to the president. If I feel I cannot be loyal I should step down. This does not mean supporting every policy but it means standing up to play my part in doing what is good for the economy.
I, therefore, request please that no one defending me should attack his person. And only those who don’t know Nasir will even think I am his intellectual match- he is just exceptional in his brilliance.
PS: Femi Fani-Kayode’s response to this piece is here http://omojuwa.com/?p=2462
Via www.nationalaccordnewespaper.com
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Well said JAMES! I like dat
Mal.Nasiru can behave thesame or worst than Mal.Sunusi under thesame condition.All have similar spirit of Putting much priority on governmental policy instead of people.To them,how Nigerians perceive their Dev.steps does not matter most wit them
When LSL was giving details of what our reps and senate re collectin par month and yr we were thinking the BOLD messiah has come not knowin that a Nigerian man is never to be trusted. Now SLS has gone to any length hurting country men and I with the thought of 2nd term as CBN boss, I belief you know it better than I Mr. LSL that WAMAN KADARALLAHU HAKKAN KADARIHI. Whatever Allah will, it ll happen. Mr. CBN is not that most of us re afraid of subsidy but we know ourselves better and you know it too, what ur country men and women can do. So whatever we ll be crying on ur neg.
=—>> Both the Mallam and the Bank Governor know what they’re doing. El-Rufa’i said the truth though personally, I’m still sitting on the fence as regards the ‘no subsidy in the first place’ issue. SLS kind of supported the policy, agreed BUT he only expressed himself on the future benefits of GEJ’s decision. He is very much aware of the negative implications attached to the fuel subsidy removal. That doesn’t mean he’s in support of the A-Z about the current government’s policies! As he said, no one defending me should attack his person (El-Rufa’i). Allah knows best!
Honestly, SLS truly disappointed millions of his admirers, with the way he passionately supported his Master‘s economic assassination of the poor masses. I think this is a step in right direction to pacify nigerians.
Birds of da same feather..my pple do not b deceived wit dis..
bullshit what are you telling me what fucking Nigerian economy who are the people that melt it down and one last question are the poor Nigerian citizen suppose to pay for the melt down or the people are your supporting. so i think you all don’t know what you are doing
Sincerely, I do not need to read femi Fani-Kayode’s piece. It will be a waste of time ‘cos it will make no meaning to me.
This dirtyy animal called Sanusi who has blood on his hands because of the number of poeople that were killed during the protests over the removal of the oil subsidy that he wanted is talking now and looking for a way out. He is a bastard just trying to ride on El Rufai’s goodwill. Then he attacks Fani-Kayode who stood woth the people and Occupy Nigeria during the fuel subsiidy struggle and he thinks that people are fooled. I am glad that FFK replied him forcefully and will contunie to do so if necessary. Sanusi should just shut up and bury his head in shame. The role he played in this oil subsidy matte is despicable. Worst still he does not have the brains of FFK, Nuhu Ribadu or El Rufai. He is just another imperiaist agent wearing a bow tie. To hell with him.
The problem is this 100% loyalty to Mr.President rather than to Nigeria, when SLS leaves Govt that’s when he will be able to tell the truth like Rufai and Nuhu. Downsizing should be gradual and not full swoop like the subsidy removal which brought so much hardship or better still cut the total package by 50% to start with. SLS should respond to Bakare and West calculations now not when he might have left office. He can’t be sacked constitutionally.
I think being in govt especially the Nigerian one is a very difficult task. My admiration for SLS strted when he refused to apologise for exposing the cost of sustaining the law makers. To be in govt and speak the truth is a rare feat. I expected same in the subsidy issue. We needed someone who will unravel the mystery, intrigues and deciet therein but short of telling us the consequences of govt irresponsibility in the subsidy scam, he refused to tell us how we got there, he is in a good position to expose the rot in the subsidy issue but he chooses to be “loyal to the President” in covering up corruption and pursuing a policy that is ill-timed and insensitive. Your comments about El-Rufai are your personal opinion. God is the true judge on intents. Nigerians must learn to support good policies not just people. Idolise what is right not the people behind it, that way if a person changes to wron you are still for what is right.
Mal.Nasiru El-rufa’i u are a great man we continue 2honour u insha Allah.
Sanusi,U just said ?a????? being in government makes u 100% loyal,?a????? makes u a zombie,u’ve sold urself out for ur position cos u no longer have the guts to tell them ?a????? what they are doing is wrong.I pray ?a????? I shud see a nigeria where tribe,religion and party politics don’t affect our thinking.Thank God Nigerians are begining to wake up to all the contradictions of Ur likes,the only Economist in d team ?a????? cud not make a difference
Sanusi Lamido, El rufai Nasiru and Buhari. you are my model and i believe, we human, we bound to make mistake. but my advice to you never trust our leaders n there co politiance because they wil damage your reputation, Sanusi L.S. iam not happy 4 you to have involved yourself in this oil susidy. iam muslim like i believe iam going to die so i believe our leaders on co northern whatever are inposter. they are only after their family and friend. Salam.
I have esteemed regards and respect for both.But the issue at stake is the present slogan Subsidy.Every Nigerian have the right to express his anger over what he feels isn’t right or certified with.You people brought an undiluted moves claiming that it will revamp our economy after squandering the economy with your stupid electioneering, and now,you want us to reap for what we have not sow?May the Almighty forgive you.
Saw and Watched the man-handing of Mallam El-Rufai by some security outfit, near Ascon Petrol in Wuse 2. He was pinned to the ground and there was some frisking to relieve him of his mobile phone etc. If they succeeded, I cannot tel, but it was a sight to behold. Things may have gone somewhat awry in Nigeria, but are such acts of violence really ok to carry out
Sanisu Lamido Sanisu got right. I believe he point himself clear. For GEJ to be his president, he has every right to ve 100% loyal to him. He said that that doesn’t mean he will support Mr prsident when he introduces a bad policy. What else do u want him to say? That he is 50% loyal to Mr president and 100% to his country? No! I disagree with that. Concerning Nasir,Lamido u are right. My dear CBN boss, my problem with you is that u are so intelligent that u like talking touch much. Pls u are an important personality in Naija. U must not respond to every issue. Thanks!
For sanusi and elrufai is only God knows who is wrong and who is right.Allah mana jagora!
There is always an appropriate word for every situation and truth is always truth
I have never been let down by Sanusi and will never be. I’ve always been and will always be a firm supporter of SLS.U rock jare
Well said SLS,more grease to your elbow!
For me It is very wrong to claim you have 100percent loyalty to the President and not fail in ur delivery of services to the people who elected even the President,that means you would suffer your admirable integrity and Respect of the people you are Govnin to Policies people that elected even the President does not agree with.It would be in a simple term to say all his Personal pursuit of Islamic Banking are more attached with religion, and ethnical suspenses.It is easier to be 100percent loyal to inflicting more hardships on the Nigerian people you use to call ‘The Ordinary Nigeria’,If the President say Bokoharam are in is cabinet,wat is the meanin of that to the Notherners,If he the President claim to share The pains of the nigerian people,wher is Lamido to Protect his own integrity to make the President see why he needs to cut their Expenditures.Mr Loyal,shortchanging integrity for a Harsh policy would kill your profile o.k
Kudus 2 both of great future notherns elrufai nd sls but 2 u sls mind u we only b loyal to Allah s.aw 100percent nt to dt bad policy of GEJ if nt u will miss ur faith 2 Allah. Up our pride
Every action is judge according to intention. The wise, intelligent, deceit, foolish, righteous and the apathetetics. We all know ourselves! weather its good or bad, 100 or 50% loyalty. Thats your cup of tea. Therez a reckoning day in which everyone will account for his\her action. everybody express his opinion from the peak of his IQ. Enough for the wise!
One of the virtue(s) i like in a man is Consistency.The reverse is also the case(what i abhors strongly is inconsistency).I really like the high level of intelligence displayed so far by the Central Bank Governor.He is a straight man.He say the truth irrespective of whose ox is gored.
Despite the fact he is still in Government he has been able to strike the balance between being in Government and identify with the people especially when it comes to Policies that makes the Masses to be hysterical.I like the way he handle the fuel subsidy brouhaha.
For El-Rufai i also like the fact that he was highly cerebral in respect to the so-called Fuel subsidy debate.But am taking my time to research his utterances and attitudes while he was in and out of Government.
For these two Distinguished personalities i will say Egg head meet Egg head.
El RUFAI U ARE MY ROL MODEL STAND 4 MASES SLS IS CORRUPT BY D GOVERNMENT.RUFAI WE NEED PPLE LIKE U 4 DIS COUNTRY 2 DEVELOP,MY MODEL BE UR SELF.
Well said, Mal. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Hate or love Mal. Nasir El Rufai, nobody can change the simple fact that he is an exceptional brilliant technocrat of our time. Therefore, rather than attack him, the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan should leverage from his wealth of knowledge with a view to apply same to move Nigeria forward.
Thank you.
I personally became obsessed with the little comment coming from the two most intellectuals nothern class that is El rufa’I and Lamido Sunusi,both of them presented facts and figures but truth is one Nigerians are tired with these breakable promises of jonathan govt,nothing is moving fine in Nigeria.
No doubt u r one of my mentor n u will always b.nice article,but pls make sure u do ur best to make this country better again,i luv nig
It is better that SLS acknowledge that elrufai has a brilliant ideas on how to move this nation forward it is left to GEJ to be wise and listen to intelectual advice from people like rufai,david west and others that are criticising his govt. These people have practical experience on how to move the nations forward, GEJ economic teams is full of theorists that can not put food on Nigerians table. Enough of theory Nigerian are interested in feasible development not just drawing graphics.
I still believe we are not seizing the opportinity well enough. By personalizing these discussions, we run the risk of throwing away the baby with the bath water. It is one thing to be 100per cent loyal to the President and another thing to be loyal to one’s conscience, the Nation and ultimately to Allah. And this is why those that know should tell the President the truth. What we did last week may seem like seeking a regime change but those that are smart and have not been benefiting from the subsidy network should have sober reflection and tell the President the truth. And it is that we love him but we love Nigeria more. Like Rufai, Sanusi may be forced in future to defend this Government and the roles he played and did not play. And why he kept quiet when things were going wrong. Is it true that we are consuming 35 million littres of fuel per day? Did we truly incur over N1.4t on subsidy payment when only N245b was appropriated by the National Assembly? Is it not better to have the regulatory framework in place before removing the subsidy when this was done in the case of diesel and no single investor set up a diesel refinery plant? By playing to the gallery and publishing our credentials, we are trivializimg these issues and playing games when our Country bleeds and yet we blame Nero’s tantrums in the days of Rome. Well may be our brother Sanusi does not have political ambitions.
Bullshit..
Well, Bros Lamido, if as you say you are not his intellectual match, then maybe you should listen to him.
It’s good that at least you have finally come clean. We understand that a dog must obey his master which you have said as much (and nothing wrong in that) when you declared you have to be loyal to the president in all things. So, at least we know that whatever the president says or does, we should not expect you to see reason and take a reasonable position.
Both of you are ??? brother in respect the difference in tribe but islam bring us together Alhamdulilah both of you pride to islam, obviously Allah bless both of you with all it takes to be a compete human being, but for purpose, i want to seize this opportunity to remind both of you that what ever we are doing Allah has knowledge about it both in public and private and one day we shall stand before Allah for accountability, may Allah forgive our short comings
there was subsidy removal, or call it increase in price of petroleum products, El-Rufai was in government, what did he do? is it because he has lost out that he is now on the side of the masses? is it not the very same masses he was demolishing their houses because of state policy? lets not be decived, i hate emergency “activists”
I wish to hav talent,courage and personality that both SLS and El-Rufa’i has. But they are my role model
You can not really blame SLS cos of his position in Govt, cos they wine and dine 2geda, but posterity will judge, where are the Awolowos Azikwe nd the rest bt what u do will speak 4 U. Kudo to Gani nd Fela may ur gentle souls rest in peace.be good to people when going up u might need them on ur way back. Shalom.
Nigeria is stained and expenses already, and our government fond their hands and looking at him tarnishing the image of Nigeria. if fuel prize could get to 45.00 or 55.00 per litre, thief’s, kidnapers, ritualism, Child abuse will reduce in Nigeria.
welldone to both its good to appreciate others point view that why its call democrazy
This xchage of intellectual display is very intrestng n I must say am so much emotionally glue to those ideology they both represents. They re both xpose n got a grt poise for modern governance n understand our views n aspirations as youths; though they may ve their shortcumngs but beta off dan d locomotive n analog leaders governin us; who 2 a grt xtent rely on our academic n xpository acume to functn. Their divergent opinion on polical n socio-economic issue is healthy 4 our democrazy dan those animosities 4rm leaders I ‘ll refers to as beneficiary of crisis. My candid advice is SLS n FFK shld find a way 2 reconcile or amonise their difference n not constraint demself 2 d calamity of d failed generatnal leaders.
A sincere comment of a Prince who never shy away from taking a stand.
God knows best. By my parochial understanding of governance, There is no significant difference between OBJ and GEJ administration. I see GEJ as OBJ administration by extension, except fall-outs.
Truth be told, we have this class of intellectuals from the north that seem to tickle my fancy each time I interact with them thru their writings, interviews or personally. And certainly SLS is one of them. I appreciate also, his composure under pressure and at ease. I fail to see here why the veil pun intended against the person of FFK. Not necessary I think. Be friends with whoever you want to be friends with, respect whomever you wish to, but leave the others to themselves. No need to draw the first blood!
Prince Nasir lamido sanusi & brother mr sanusi nasiru elrufai,sanusi elrufai U r an odinary nigerian like any & dont have the right as on who u are to tell pple of our great nation wat to think of anybody cuz u are not GOD ownestly to tell or try to erased things in our memory 4 u to protect the most corrupt,brutalic ungodly FCT minister in our history who held d holy Quran d holy BOOK of islamic faith,swear wt it in d senate hearing & continue to lie wt no fear of ALLAH in a sitting that proves his extremely corrupt,0% intelligent a man who saw many pple go mad,die etc in his brutallic rule under d despot OBJ in d lust of power dat he thought is going to last 4ever now he has lost out & bk 2 d oppositon a man who evicted d late stateman of great serenity justice bashir sambo of blessed memory a great son of your region & Nigerian who serve this Nation for 55yrs with great dedication 1951-2006 six months after retirement upon his right to buy d house he reside in wt a subsisting court order retraining the govt wt d blessing of despot obj age 78yrs he was thrown out dat truma lead to his death in april 2007 & many citizens who lost their lives,now its bn reverse dat the late stateman is right bought his house lawfully dat elrufai is wrong by d senate of our Nigeria dat is the minister dat actually bought an essential(security) house a lessor/lesse in the transaction upon dis illigality & so many u r protecting dis evil man.young man u r nt GOD i believe u r nt as pple c u cuz dy say if u want to know somebody look at his friends time will show u wat will become of him soon,for ribadu anti corruption lead by corrupt leader a smart guy dats why his quiet cuz of his crimes bt GOD has nt forgortten him he will reap wat he sow for u do your job under d most corrupt cabal of the PDP & shut off cuz your grandfather & father will not condone this kind of injustice, unfortunate,degrading remarks from anyone related to them may GOD help you AMEEN..
Mr. Governor, you complete loyalty is to the President not the Nation that’s why you support him in all misconceived and ill-advised policies irrespective of the plight of the common Nigerian. That’s how you grew up in a Monarchical manner and attitude, always seeing the common man as a slave. But be wary, as the tide is changing.