The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, asserts that Nigeria’s value system has been eroded, with society now glorifying wealth regardless of its source.
During an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program on Wednesday, Sanusi stated that Nigeria rewards individuals who steal public funds with top government positions.
“The entire value system of the country has been eroded. We have been ruled by people who have no values, no name behind them, and no desire to leave a name after them,” he said.
“These are people who define themselves by how many houses they own, how many private jets they have, how much money they have in the bank.
“It is not important to them that people look at them and only see thieves, they see criminals, they see people who have taken the commonwealth.
“A society in which material wealth, no matter how you get it, is respected, is glorified, where people who are known to have stolen money get rewarded with ministerial, senatorial appointments — that society will continue to reproduce itself.”
The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor said that the lack of moral outrage against corrupt officials has entrenched a culture of impunity.4
Sanusi added that many people in government were not properly raised, which is reflected in their poor values and conduct in public service.5
“We don’t have a sense of disgust for people who hold public office and amass wealth,” he said.
“We reward them with appointments, with more public offices, and more opportunities to amass wealth — and this is what Nigeria has become.
“Many people go into government to make money, but you don’t go into government to make money.”
The emir explained that many of the country’s leaders are not concerned with leaving a legacy but are driven by an insatiable desire to accumulate wealth and luxury.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Murtala Muhammed, a former military head of state, Sanusi emphasized that Nigeria needs a deep moral rebirth. He added that value reorientation cannot be left to the president or state governors alone.
“I think we need an entire regeneration of values,” he said.
“It is not about one person. The president or the governors, or the ministers cannot on their own change this country.”
Sanusi also blamed politicians for weakening the civil service, stating that the bureaucracy must be rebuilt to enable civil servants to resist political interference. He concluded that Nigeria must return to strengthening institutions that uphold accountability and integrity.