Former President Goodluck Jonathan sparked laughter on Tuesday after referring to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as “my good friend” during a public event in Abuja.
Jonathan made the remark while delivering his welcome address at the presentation of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon.
The comment immediately drew laughter from guests at the event, forcing the former president, who chaired the occasion, to briefly pause his speech before continuing.
The moment revived memories of the long-standing political tension between Jonathan and Sanusi during the latter’s tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
PROMPT NEWS reports that their relationship became strained in 2014 after Sanusi alleged before the Senate Committee on Finance that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation failed to remit about $20bn into the Federation Account.
The allegation triggered widespread controversy across the country and intensified political debates at the time.
Shortly after the claims, Jonathan suspended Sanusi from office as CBN governor over allegations bordering on financial misconduct and recklessness.
Months later, Sanusi was appointed Emir of Kano following the death of the late Ado Bayero.
His appointment was approved by the Kano State Government under the administration of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, marking his return to national prominence.