Emir of Kano blames Nigerian politicians for decline in societal values

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has blamed Nigerian politicians for the decline in societal values, urging leaders to place integrity above material wealth.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during his speech at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII) in the nation’s capital.

Sanusi emphasized that a person’s true identity is defined by their character, integrity, and actions rather than by their wealth, title, or material possessions.

He pointed out that individuals in positions of power, such as senators, governors, or emirs, should be evaluated by their personal qualities and integrity, rather than their status or material assets.

“If you’re a senator or an emir or a governor or a rich man, it is what you are, not who you are,” the Emir stated. “If you own a house, a big car, or an aeroplane, it is not what you are. You are the man who owns that house. They are things outside of you.”

He further explained that the distinction between being a good person and holding a high position is crucial. “You can have two senators, one is an honest, good, kind, and generous man, and the other is a thief.

They are both senators. Who you are is defined by whether you are a good man or a thief.”

Sanusi stressed that public office is a privilege granted by God and serves as a test of how leaders use their power to serve the people.

He argued that the true legacy of any leader should not be based on their wealth, but rather on their contribution to society.

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“Public service is an opportunity to transform lives for the better,” Sanusi explained. “God makes you a leader to test how you use your power. It is a privilege to serve, and people should focus on what they can do for the society, not just accumulate wealth.”

The Emir also cautioned against the pursuit of material possessions, warning that some leaders focus on acquiring wealth and power only to leave behind a legacy of meaningless riches.

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He spoke about the impact of inherited wealth, citing how some children of wealthy individuals squander their inheritance, leading to a loss of the family’s fortune.

“What do you want to be remembered for? Is it the houses that your children will fight over after you die?

Is it the money hidden in Swiss accounts that will never even reach your family?” Sanusi asked. “Sometimes, the children get it, and we have seen them become drug addicts or ‘money miss road’—spending it all on parties until it’s gone.”

The Emir’s comments serve as a reminder that leadership should be about service, integrity, and the positive impact leaders leave behind, rather than the accumulation of wealth and status.