The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has criticized the Nigerian government for appointing individuals with questionable integrity into key public offices, lamenting the erosion of moral values across the country.
Speaking on the state of leadership and value systems in Nigeria, the former Central Bank Governor expressed concern that many public officials were never properly brought up and now see political positions as avenues for personal enrichment.
“I think what has failed in this country is upbringing. The truth is that many people you have in public office today were simply not well brought up,” he stated.
Sanusi recalled that during his time at King’s College, civics was a core subject taught directly by the principal, instilling values such as honesty, integrity, human rights, and service. He said these values are largely absent among today’s leaders.
“Many people go into government for the wrong reasons. They did not have the training or upbringing that teaches public service is a duty, not an opportunity to make money,” he said.
The Emir condemned what he described as a societal norm of celebrating material wealth regardless of its source. He warned that when those known to have looted public funds are rewarded with more positions, the nation continues to reinforce a dangerous cycle.
“We have been ruled by people with no values. They define themselves by the number of houses, jets, or billions in their accounts. A society that glorifies wealth without questioning its source will only continue to reproduce the same problems,” he said.
He further described the present Nigerian society as one that lacks a sense of moral outrage over corruption, stressing the urgent need for value reorientation.
“We reward people who amass wealth illegally with more public offices and opportunities. This is what Nigeria has become,” he added.
Sanusi called for the rebuilding of the nation’s value system, highlighting the importance of character, compassion, and integrity over material success. He emphasized that reform must go beyond the efforts of a single leader.
“I think we need an entire regeneration of values. It is not about one person — the president, governors, or ministers cannot on their own change this country,” he said.
Reflecting on the legacy of former military Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, Sanusi urged the nation to draw inspiration from leaders who upheld accountability and discipline.
He also blamed politicians for weakening the civil service, noting that a robust bureaucracy would be more equipped to resist unlawful directives from political leaders.