The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has criticised the widespread erosion of moral values in Nigerian society, warning that rewarding corrupt individuals with public office perpetuates a cycle of bad governance and dishonesty.
Speaking on Politics Today on Wednesday, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor lamented that material wealth, regardless of how it is acquired, has been elevated above integrity, hard work, and compassion.
“A society in which material wealth, no matter how you get it, is respected, is glorified… that society will continue to reproduce itself,” Sanusi said. “We reward [people] with appointments, with more public offices, and more opportunities to amass wealth, and this is what Nigeria has become.”
He decried the lack of ethical upbringing among many in public office, stating, “Many people go into government to make money, but you don’t go into government to make money.”
Sanusi said the country is being governed by individuals with no regard for legacy or societal impact. “They define themselves by what they own — houses, private jets, billions in bank accounts — and they think that is something. It’s not important to them that people see them as thieves and criminals who have taken the commonwealth.”
Reflecting on the legacy of former Head of State Murtala Muhammed, Sanusi called for a comprehensive regeneration of values across Nigeria.
“It is not about one person. The president, governors, or ministers alone cannot change this country,” he said. “We need a national reorientation — both leaders and citizens must be responsible for rebuilding values.”
The Emir also blamed politicians for weakening the civil service and called for strengthening the system to empower civil servants to resist illegal instructions from politicians.
