The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged ministers and presidential aides to stop engaging in praise-singing and instead offer honest, constructive advice that can help rescue Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Sanusi gave the charge on Monday in Abuja during the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch, where he and renowned economist, Atedo Peterside, examined the country’s governance and economic challenges, Vanguard reports.
Addressing the theme of integrity and courage in public service, the Emir expressed concern over the growing culture of sycophancy in government, noting that many leaders prefer flattery to the truth.
“Our leaders listen but only to those who tell them what they want to hear.
“Nigeria has too many sycophants in government. Those who speak the truth are seen as enemies of the state,” Sanusi said.
He decried the excessive culture of praise at official events, describing it as harmful to effective governance and accountability.
Sanusi appealed to public officials to restore integrity and honesty to governance, stressing that blind loyalty has hindered Nigeria’s progress for decades.
“Those who work with the President must understand that it is not in their best interest to turn themselves into praise singers.
“You disgrace yourself and the office you hold when you do that,” he warned.
On the economy, Sanusi commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for taking bold steps such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification.
He, however, cautioned that the reforms would not yield results without fiscal discipline and responsible management of public funds.
Sanusi blamed Nigeria’s persistent economic troubles on inconsistent policies and populist decision-making.
He recalled that those who once opposed subsidy removal are now implementing it.
He stated, “In 2012, we warned that the subsidy was unsustainable, but politics took over.
“Now the same people who led protests against it have inherited the problem and had no choice but to do the right thing.”
He praised the professionalism of the current economic management team, including the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, noting their efforts to stabilise inflation and reduce exchange rate volatility.
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