Emir Sanusi Urges Officials to Shun Praise-Singing

By Zainab Bakare

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerian ministers, presidential aides, and public officials to end the culture of praise-singing and focus on offering honest, constructive advice that can help rebuild Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch held on Monday in Abuja, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor emphasized that sycophancy and blind loyalty are major obstacles to good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria.

Sanusi, who spoke alongside renowned economist Atedo Peterside, addressed the theme of integrity and courage in public service.

He expressed concern over the growing trend where government officials prefer flattery over truth, describing it as “a dangerous culture that weakens leadership and hinders development.”

The Emir of Kano stressed that effective governance depends on honest feedback and critical thinking, not on political praise or blind loyalty.

According to him, many of Nigeria’s challenges persist because public officials prioritize personal gain and political favor over national interest.

Sanusi commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for taking bold steps such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates—two key economic reforms aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economy.

However, he warned that these reforms will not achieve their full potential without fiscal discipline, transparency, and responsible management of public funds.

He called on policymakers, civil servants, and aides to restore integrity, truth, and accountability in governance, noting that Nigeria’s economic recovery depends on leaders who are willing to speak truth to power and act in the best interest of the people.