Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and revered traditional ruler, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has issued a stark warning over the country’s worsening insecurity, declaring that Nigeria is no longer on the verge of crisis but already deep within one, as citizens continue to live under the constant threat of bandits and Boko Haram insurgents.
Sanusi, the former Emir of Kano, made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at an event in Port Harcourt to mark the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. His comments, though delivered at a celebratory gathering, quickly shifted the tone of the event to one of national reflection.
“For anyone still saying we must act before things get out of hand, please wake up,” Sanusi warned. “We are already in the middle of it. We live with bandits. We live with Boko Haram. This is no longer a looming crisis; we are in it. The only question left is: how do we find a way out?”
Known for his blunt assessments of national affairs, the former CBN governor did not mince words as he laid blame squarely on Nigeria’s political elite. According to him, the country’s leaders have failed to grasp the severity of the conditions faced by everyday Nigerians, thereby deepening the divide between the ruling class and the governed.
Sanusi described the widespread poverty and insecurity plaguing the nation as a direct result of governance failure. He criticised what he called the elite’s ignorance and detachment, noting that the multidimensional poverty in Nigeria, which includes lack of access to healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure, has its roots in years of poor leadership and policy missteps.
His warning comes at a time when Nigeria is battling rising levels of insecurity across multiple regions. From the rampant kidnappings in the North-West to Boko Haram’s continued attacks in the North-East and the growing cases of armed violence in other parts of the country, citizens are increasingly exposed to threats with limited protection from the state.
The birthday event, which was attended by political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and influential Nigerians from various walks of life, quickly turned into a forum for soul-searching following Sanusi’s remarks. His words drew widespread attention and sparked renewed calls for urgent and coordinated action from all levels of government.
With insecurity now touching nearly every part of the federation, Sanusi’s message served as yet another clarion call for leadership to move beyond rhetoric and confront the escalating crisis head-on.
