By Muhammad Mamman
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has delivered a stinging critique of Nigeria’s political class, asserting that entrenched elites are actively undermining the nation’s development by prioritising personal gain over public service.
Speaking at the 15th anniversary of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria warned that the country’s leadership has consistently squandered opportunities for national advancement. Sanusi said that many political actors view public office not as a duty to citizens but as a vehicle for advancing the interests of themselves, their families and close associates.
“We have done enough damage and maybe we need to stop,” he declared, underscoring that lost opportunities for genuine progress were not always accidental but, at times, deliberate. Sanusi emphasised that the prevailing mindset among politicians has turned governance into a form of “family business” rather than a service to the nation’s people.
In a call to action, the traditional ruler urged young Nigerians to reject what he described as a dysfunctional political system and to take the lead in building a future that reflects the country’s true potential. He lamented that Nigeria’s political landscape remains deeply fractured along lines of ethnic rivalry, religious conflict and self-enrichment, which together have stunted national unity and growth.
Sanusi’s remarks resonate with broader critiques he has made in recent months about governance and leadership across Nigeria’s political sphere. The monarch has repeatedly lamented a pervasive erosion of moral values among those in power and has called for a moral rebirth in public life to address entrenched corruption and mismanagement.
His comments reflect growing frustration among citizens and civic leaders over persistent challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity and slow progress on critical infrastructure and social services. Sanusi’s bold public stance underscores a deepening discourse on the need for systemic reform and renewed accountability within Nigeria’s political institutions.
Critics of the Emir’s remarks argue that such public rebukes can be polarising, while supporters view them as a necessary wake-up call for political renewal. As Nigeria navigates ongoing economic and governance challenges, Sanusi’s intervention fuels debate on the role of leadership, civic responsibility and national identity in shaping the country’s future.
