Former President Goodluck Jonathan stirred laughter at a public event after describing the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as “my good friend,” despite their well-known past political differences.
Jonathan made the remark on Tuesday during the launch of former Head of State Yakubu Gowon’s memoir yesterday in Abuja.
Witnesses at the event said the audience burst into laughter shortly after the former president made the comment, prompting him to pause briefly before continuing his speech.
Jonathan and Sanusi were involved in a major public fallout during Sanusi’s tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
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The disagreement escalated in February 2014 after Sanusi appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance and alleged that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) failed to remit nearly $20 billion to the Federation Account.
The allegation sparked nationwide controversy and strained relations between the presidency and the then CBN governor.
Jonathan later suspended Sanusi from office over allegations bordering on financial recklessness and misconduct.
Following his removal as CBN governor, Sanusi was appointed Emir of Kano in 2014 after the death of the late Ado Bayero.
He was appointed by the Kano State Government under the administration of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.