Emir Sanusi Praises Buhari’s Economic Council
BY SALISU IBRAHIM, KANO – Kudos have not been in short supply from many stakeholders for President Muhammadu Buhari over the constitution of what many described as a dependable Economic Advisory Council (EAC) with an array of topnotch experts and academicians
The latest thumbs–up comes from an unlikely source, the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, who praised the President for listening to Nigerians and eventually taking a bold step in the right direction.
Speaking with journalists at his Palace on Wednesday in Kano, Mallam Sanusi described the new council as “first class” with competent hands to drive the nation’s economy forward.
According to him, the development is not only a welcomed, but also “timely and reflective of the Buhari’s determination to re-energise the management of the economy”.
The Emir said Nigerians were highly desirous of such an effective and knowledge-driven team to provide the lead on the economic front.
He explained that aside the pedigree of its members, the new EAC is a team of great minds and professionals, having excelled in their private sector experience and independence.
Mallam Sanusi further said; “If you look at the system we operate, if you also look at the United States, every US President always have a Council of economic advisers.
“One of the reasons you have this council is you want independent academics, who are able to give you frank and honest advice on how to run the economy and address its problems.”
In addition; “What the President has done is to follow that pattern to appoint a team of highly respected professionals to advise him, especially this time when we have economic problems, fiscal issues.
“When global economy is facing uncertainty due to trade wars, it is important that the President has high quality advice.”
The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, said advisers and economists also commend the positive things done while recommending areas necessary for improved performance.
Having only kinds words for Council, the Emir described the team as fantastic, adding that having worked with most of them at different times, he can vouch for their integrity and competence to deliver quality service that would boost and reposition the economy for growth and development.
The royal father said, contrary to insinuations in some quarters, “I have not been critical of government economic policies. What I have always done is to say the things that they have done right and offer advice to things that need to be done.”
Applauding the President for appointing a balanced team given its composition with known and reliable names like Prof Adedoyin Salami, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mohammed Sagagi, Doyin Salami and Shehu Yahaya, among others who are highly respected professionals, Mallam Sanusi said; “We have experts in different fields; monetary policy, fiscal policy, development and financial market. It’s a good step in the right direction.”
Constituted by the President on Monday, September 16, 2019, the EAC, with Prof Doyin Salami as its chairman, replaced the now disbanded Economic Management Team (EMT) that was headed by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
