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My comments on governors’, ministers’ absence at summit were in good faith, says Sanusi

By Murtala Adewale, Kano
26 April 2018   |   4:08 am
The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said his comments on the absence of Nigerian officials and ministers at the U.S.-Nigeria Summit in Washington DC were made in the interest of the nation.

Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II PHOTO: TWITTER/GOVERNOR KADUNA

The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said his comments on the absence of Nigerian officials and ministers at the U.S.-Nigeria Summit in Washington DC were made in the interest of the nation.

The Emir, who insisted the comments were predicated clearly on objective of drawing government’s attention to the pitfalls of losing investors’ confidence, denied mentioning name of any minister and or, referring to estacode or any financial benefit and entitlement of the government officials who were in Washington during the summit.

In a statement signed and made available to The Guardian by Danburam Kano and the Chief of Staff to the Emir, Alhaji Munir Sanusi, His Highness said the remark credited was not personal or meant to discredit any personality in the country.He said the comments were wake-up calls to save the nation from global embarrassment in future.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Kano palace has been drawn to an ongoing public discourse sparked by comments purportedly made by the His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, in Washington, allegedly naming ministers who were in Washington but failed to attend Nigeria’s Open for Business Summit organised by the Nigerian Embassy in Washington. In order to separate truth from fiction, mischief or misrepresentation, we issue the following statement; at no time did the emir mention the name of a single minister.

“At no time did His Highness make any reference to estacode or any financial benefit collected by anyone. The programme of event clearly listed our ministers as participants in various sessions. Also, side meetings had been arranged for them with investors, at least according to organisers. There was no statement from the embassy informing the audience that the ministers were not in Washington or otherwise explaining their absence up to the time the Highness departed.

“His Highness made his comments in absolute good faith, with the objective of drawing attention to the pitfalls of losing investors’ confidence and the need to give investors the best possible impression of the country. The only way Nigeria will move forward is for us to be able to criticise ourselves and correct our mistakes. This is how nations grow.”

Sanusi insisted he would not be subdued but rather “continue giving his full support to the government at all levels in all efforts aimed at attracting investment to Nigeria. This support includes giving honest feedback on what needs to be done to improve our attractiveness as an investment destination.”

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