Speaking openly about the nation’s moral deterioration, the Emir Sanusi stressed that the core value system upon which the country was built has been deeply undermined.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has strongly condemned the alarming erosion of societal values in Nigeria, particularly criticizing the troubling trend of rewarding corrupt public officials with further political opportunities instead of holding them accountable. Speaking candidly about the moral decline affecting the nation, the Emir emphasized that the country’s foundational value system has been severely compromised, enabling individuals who misappropriate public funds to be celebrated and elevated rather than punished for their misconduct.
Kano Emir Sanusi’ statement
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Wednesday, Sanusi, who formerly served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, pointed out that many public officeholders today suffer from poor upbringing and a flawed understanding of their responsibilities. This has contributed to a leadership culture where personal enrichment is prioritized over public service and integrity. “You don’t go into government to make money,” he stressed, expressing deep concern over leaders who focus on accumulating wealth instead of serving the people. According to him, many Nigerian leaders today lack values and do not care about their legacy or the impact they leave behind.
The Emir went on to describe how such leaders measure their success by material possessions—counting houses, private jets, and bank balances—as if these were the sole markers of achievement. “They think that is something,” he said, highlighting the shallow nature of their ambitions. For these individuals, public perception is irrelevant; they are unconcerned that the public sees them as thieves or criminals who have stolen from the commonwealth. “It is simply not important because for them, values do not matter,” he added.
‘leaders and ordinary citizens share the responsibility’ – Sanusi
Reflecting on the legacy of the late former military Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, whose assassination occurred fifty years ago, the Emir called for a national revival of moral values. He stressed that both leaders and ordinary citizens share the responsibility of restoring integrity and ethical standards throughout Nigerian society. For Sanusi, material wealth should never be placed above virtues like honesty, hard work, and compassion.
“We need an entire regeneration of values,” he declared, warning that no single individual—be it the president, governors, or ministers—can bring about meaningful change on their own. He further explained that a society that glorifies material wealth regardless of how it is acquired, and where known thieves are rewarded with ministerial roles, is doomed to perpetuate corruption indefinitely. “We don’t have a sense of disgust for people who hold public office and amass wealth; instead, we reward them with appointments and more opportunities to enrich themselves. This is what Nigeria has become,” the Emir lamented.
Sanusi also criticized the destructive influence politicians have had on Nigeria’s civil service, stressing the urgent need to restore the system’s integrity. He advocated empowering civil servants to resist political pressures and to have the courage to say ‘no’ when asked to engage in unethical or illegal activities. Only through such reforms can Nigeria hope to rebuild a culture of accountability and ethical governance.
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