Former Emir of Kano and ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Muhammad Sanusi II, has raised fresh concerns over the nation’s moral and leadership crisis, asserting that Nigeria continues to empower individuals with questionable integrity instead of holding them accountable.
Speaking at a public dialogue on governance and national transformation held in Abuja on Wednesday, Sanusi decried what he described as a troubling trend where corruption is not only tolerated but also rewarded with greater political authority and social recognition.
“In Nigeria, we reward the corrupt with more power. People steal, and instead of being jailed, they are given national honours or reappointed to public office,” Sanusi stated. He stressed that such practices not only erode public trust but also reinforce a culture of impunity across all levels of governance.
The respected Islamic scholar warned that unless Nigeria urgently reforms its value system and prioritizes integrity and competence over tribal, political, or religious sentiments, the country risks continued stagnation and social decay.
Sanusi’s remarks come amid growing public outcry over the recycling of controversial figures in political appointments, with citizens calling for greater transparency, accountability, and justice in public service.
He urged the youth to resist normalizing corruption, emphasizing that national development can only be achieved when ethical leadership is placed at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic process.
