TheCable

Kingsley Moghalu, former presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), has felicitated with Muhammad Sanusi II, former emir of Kano, on his 60th birthday.

In a statement on Saturday, Moghalu praised the former emir on the impact he made on the country’s economy as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

While wishing the former emir a happy birthday, he appreciated Sanusi on playing the role of a destiny helper in his life.

“At 60, you have made tremendous impact on Africa’s largest economy as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009-2014, on Nigeria’s national affairs more broadly, in the sphere of Islamic religious and social affairs, as an author and public intellectual, and on the global stage,” he said.

“I am proud of you, proud to call you a brother and a friend, and proud of the great work we did together – the world class reforms of Nigeria’s banking sector and payments system we undertook at the CBN under your overall leadership. These reforms were simply visionary, courageous, and well ahead of what obtained in several economically and institutionally more advanced jurisdictions after the Great Financial Crisis.

“I recall with deep appreciation the role you played as a “destiny helper” in my life. You invited me back home to Nigeria in 2009 from my base in Geneva, Switzerland and recommended me to now-late President Umaru Yar’Adua for high-level national service as a Deputy Governor of the CBN to support you as Head of the Financial System Stability (FSS) Directorate.”

Moghalu said he greatly respects Sanusi’s for his “consistent respect for, and encouragement of leadership and professional competence in the service of Nigeria’s national interest”, adding that there are “not just colleagues, but friends for life”.

He said: “As Emir of the great emirate of Kano, and now as the Khalifa of the Tijanniya Sufi Islamic order in Nigeria, you have been similarly consequential. I know that you will deploy your leadership influence in this spiritual order to advance your needed vision for social reforms for the development and stability of the northern part of our dear country.”

He prayed that Sanusi’s days will be long on earth and wished his family God’s blessings.