Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has decried the pervasive moral decline in Nigeria, attributing it to the greed and self-centeredness of the nation’s political elite. Speaking at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII) in Abuja, Sanusi urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize integrity and service over wealth accumulation and materialism.
Addressing a gathering that included politicians from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sanusi emphasized that true identity is rooted in character, not in titles or possessions.
“Your title or wealth does not define who you are. A senator can be honest and kind, or he can be a thief. The essence of who you are lies in your honesty, generosity, and integrity,” Sanusi stated. He called for leaders to reflect on their legacy and contributions to society rather than their accumulation of personal wealth.
Sanusi criticized public officials for squandering opportunities to uplift society, noting that positions of power are privileges granted by God to serve others. “You hold office for a few years, and your legacy should be how you transformed lives, not the houses or hidden wealth you leave behind,” he said.
The former Emir also condemned the lack of ideological commitment in Nigerian politics, where politicians frequently change party affiliations. He argued that the absence of core values and principles undermines the nation’s progress, adding, “We don’t even know what the parties stand for anymore. The focus is solely on personal gain.”
Sanusi also addressed societal values at large, urging Nigerians to focus on what truly matters. He stressed that excess wealth does not lead to fulfillment and urged the elite to embrace the principle of “enough,” using their resources to improve society instead of amassing idle riches.
The conference, themed “Driving Transformation Through Value Reorientation, Inclusive Leadership, and Sustainability,” was convened by Iyom Josephine Anenih, former Minister of Women Affairs and founder of NNII. Prominent attendees included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim.
