Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has expressed concern over the state of leadership and value system in Nigeria, stating that many public office holders today do not care that they are perceived as criminals by the people.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sanusi, who is also a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said the country is being ruled by individuals who lack proper upbringing and values.
“The truth is, many people that you have in public office today were simply not well brought up,” he said.
Sanusi recalled being taught civic values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for human rights during his early years at King’s College. According to him, public office should be seen as an opportunity to serve, not a means to accumulate wealth.
“Many people go into government for the wrong reasons. You do not go into government to make money. If you want to make money, you become a businessman. Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa. He has never been a commissioner or a governor or a minister,” he noted.
The Emir lamented that the country’s value system has been eroded, with many leaders now defining success by material possessions rather than legacy or public service.
“It is not important to them that people look at them and only see thieves. They see criminals. They see people who have taken away the commonwealth. It is simply not important, because for them, the values do not matter,” he said.
He added that the decline is not limited to political leaders but extends to religious and traditional institutions, accusing many of becoming sycophants and praise singers.
“Unfortunately, a society in which material wealth—no matter how you get it—is respected and glorified will continue to reproduce itself,” Sanusi warned.
He concluded that meaningful change cannot come from a single individual, such as the president or a governor, but would require a total regeneration of societal values.
