Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan caused laughter at the launch of former military leader Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography when he described the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as “my good friend.”
Jonathan made the remark on Tuesday while speaking as chairman at the presentation of Gowon’s book, My Life of Duty and Allegiance. People in the hall burst into laughter, forcing Jonathan to briefly pause his speech.
Jonathan and Sanusi had a well-known disagreement when Sanusi served as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In 2014, Sanusi told the Senate Committee on Finance that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had failed to remit about $20 billion to the federation account.
The allegation created political tension and sparked a national debate at the time. Jonathan later suspended Sanusi as CBN governor over alleged misconduct and financial recklessness. A few months later, Sanusi became Emir of Kano under the administration of former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
