The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has accused sections of Nigeria’s political class of deliberately slowing down the country’s progress. Speaking in Lagos at the 15th anniversary celebration of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, a civic organisation known for promoting good governance and citizen participation, the Emir said that many politicians view public office as a private enterprise for personal enrichment rather than a platform for public service.
Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor and one of Nigeria’s most outspoken traditional leaders, said the country is not moving forward because those entrusted with leadership often work against national development. He warned that Nigeria cannot make meaningful progress if its leaders continue to prioritise personal gain over the welfare of citizens.
According to him, some members of the political class treat governance as a business that must benefit themselves, their families, and their close associates, instead of a system designed to serve the wider population. “We have done enough damage, and maybe we need to stop,” he said. “These are not just missed opportunities. Sometimes they are deliberately missed opportunities.”
Sanusi criticised what he described as a political culture built on self-interest, saying many leaders think mainly about themselves and ignore their responsibilities to the nation. He explained that when leaders refuse to use opportunities to improve education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure, it is ordinary Nigerians who suffer the consequences.
“But public office is about the citizens,” he said firmly. “It is not about the person holding the office.”
Nigeria has long struggled with issues of corruption, mismanagement, and weak governance. Reports from international institutions consistently rank the country low on transparency and accountability. Public frustration has grown in recent years, especially as economic hardship deepens. Rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity in many states have left Nigerians questioning the commitment of political leaders to national development.
Sanusi’s comments reflect broad concerns that Nigeria has the resources and talent to succeed, but progress is often blocked by decisions made for political convenience or personal profit rather than national interest.
The Emir urged young Nigerians to reject the dysfunctional system they have inherited, stressing that it is their duty to reshape the country. He called on them to challenge old structures built on ethnic and religious divisions, as well as the culture of rent-seeking that rewards individual for political loyalty rather than merit.
“The nation belongs to us,” Sanusi said. “It does not belong to the government or politicians. Wherever we find ourselves, we are holding one small part of Nigeria, and we have a duty to contribute our quota.”
He highlighted that Nigeria’s youth must not feel powerless. Instead, they should unite, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or regional background, and work toward building a nation that reflects their aspirations. According to him, the future of Nigeria depends on a generation willing to demand accountability and stand for justice and fairness.
His appeal comes at a time when many young people feel excluded from political participation. Despite being one of the largest youth populations in the world, Nigeria continues to struggle with youth unemployment, weak educational systems, and limited opportunities. Many young people have resorted to migration due to frustration with the country’s direction.
Emir Sanusi has built a reputation for speaking boldly about governance and leadership in Nigeria. As a former CBN governor, he drew attention to government mismanagement, particularly in the oil sector. He has consistently argued that Nigeria’s challenges are not caused by a lack of resources but by poor decisions and weak leadership.
In 2014, Sanusi was suspended as CBN governor after he raised concerns about missing oil revenue. After becoming Emir, he continued to speak against corruption, child marriage, gender inequality, and poor governance. His criticisms sometimes put him at odds with political leaders, but they also earned him respect among citizens who believe he speaks truth to power.
At the EiE anniversary event, Sanusi reminded Nigerians that silence in the face of poor governance allows the system to continue unchanged. He urged citizens to stay engaged and hold leaders accountable through elections, public demands, and civic action.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, but it continues to face serious development challenges. The country has vast natural resources, a vibrant private sector, and an energetic youth population, yet basic services remain inadequate for millions.
He argued that these problems persist because leaders choose political survival over long-term development. Policies needed to strengthen education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure are sometimes ignored because they do not bring immediate political benefits.
“These are not just mistakes,” he said. “They are sometimes deliberate.”
Sanusi urged Nigerians to imagine a country free from old divisions and selfish politics. He said the future Nigeria must rise above ethnic rivalries and religious conflicts, which politicians often use to gain support while ignoring real issues that affect citizens’ daily lives.
“It has to be a Nigeria that rises above ethnic rivalries, religious conflicts, and rent-seeking,” he said. “It has to be a country that finally realises its potential in the committee of nations.”
He stressed that citizens must understand that Nigeria belongs to them, not to those in power. He encouraged Nigerians to believe in their ability to transform the country.