The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s moral decay and widespread celebration of corrupt public figures. According to him, the country’s current leadership and citizenry have normalized a system where integrity no longer matters.
During an interview on Channels Television, Sanusi stressed that President Bola Tinubu alone cannot change the country. He noted that the problem goes beyond politics and reflects a deeply broken value system.
“It’s not about one man. Neither the president, governors, nor ministers can single-handedly fix Nigeria. We need a total regeneration of values,” Sanusi remarked.
A Country Ruled by the Morally Bankrupt
Sanusi criticised past and present Nigerian leaders for lacking principles and long-term vision. He said many leaders focus solely on accumulating wealth, ignoring legacy or national progress.
“We’ve been ruled by individuals who have no values, no reputation to protect, and no desire to leave behind a respectable name,” he said.
He explained that society now respects individuals based solely on material possessions, not integrity or public service.
“In today’s world, wealth defines people, through the number of houses, jets, and billions they own.. This is the toxic culture we’ve embraced,” Sanusi lamented.
Rewarding Criminality with Political Power
According to the former Central Bank governor, many Nigerians not only tolerate corruption but reward it. He said those with questionable wealth often secure even more powerful positions.
“We don’t express outrage when thieves hold public office. Instead, we give them more appointments, more chances to steal. That’s Nigeria today,” he noted.
Sanusi argued that many public officials lack the moral upbringing to understand the true essence of leadership. He cautioned that societies that praise stolen riches inevitably repeat their past mistakes.
“In Nigeria, people go into government not to serve, but to enrich themselves. And we continue to recycle the same type of leaders,” he said.
A Nation in Need of Value Reorientation
Sanusi concluded that unless Nigeria undergoes a complete moral and cultural transformation, the cycle of corruption and poor governance will persist. He emphasized that true leaders should uphold values over greed.
He added that when leaders don’t care if people call them thieves or criminals, it shows values no longer matter.
