Emir Sanusi Slams Nigeria’s Trend of Rewarding Corruption With High Office
Abuja / Kano
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has issued a stern critique of Nigeria’s political culture, condemning the habit of rewarding individuals guilty of corruption with senior government positions. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former CBN Governor stressed that this practice is eroding the nation’s moral foundation.
“A society in which material wealth—no matter how you get it—is respected and glorified, where people known to have stolen money get rewarded with ministerial appointments, is a
Root Causes & Societal Decay
Sanusi warned that public office is increasingly treated as a conduit for personal enrichment. He criticized officials lacking the upbringing and understanding of public service values:
“Many people go into government to make money, but you don’t go into government to make money.”
He described Nigeria’s current leadership class as lacking a legacy or desire to uphold dignity; instead, they define themselves by material possessions:
“They have no values, no name behind them, and no desire to leave a name after them... They see thieves and criminals, but values do not matter to them.”
Call for a Moral Regeneration
Sanusi argued that the transformation Nigeria needs cannot hinge on a single official—or even the President—but must involve citizens, civil servants, and religious leaders alike:
“I think we need an entire regeneration of values… it is not about one person. Everyone must take responsibility.”
He also advocated for rebuilding the civil service to empower officials to resist corrupt directives:
“Politicians destroyed the civil service. We must strengthen institutions so civil servants can say 'no' when asked to break the rules.”
