Nigeria’s political class sabotaging national progress, says Emir Sanusi

FILE: The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II

Kindly share this story:

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has alleged that Nigeria’s political class deliberately sabotage the nation’s progress.

Sanusi argued that the elite view and operate public office not as a trust, but as a “family business,” fundamentally undermining Nigeria’s potential for development.

He made the pronouncement on Wednesday during the 15th anniversary of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria in Lagos.

Sanusi said the political class sidestepped opportunities for national development because “public office is about themselves, their families, and people close to them, not about the country or the citizens.”

Sanusi further explained, “We have done enough damage, and maybe we need to stop. And I think this is the point Omobola is making about missed opportunities. Not just missed opportunities, I think sometimes deliberately missed opportunities.

“The reason we miss these opportunities is that we have people who think public office is about themselves, it’s about their families, it’s about people close to them, it’s not about the country. But public office is about the citizens.”

He urged young Nigerians to reject the dysfunctional country that has been “manufactured” for them and build one that fulfils its true potential.

The Emir said the current system is one built on “ethnic rivalries, religious conflicts, and competition for personal aggrandisement”, adding that Nigerian youths must unite across all strata and articulate a clear, achievable vision for a different nation.

“The important thing for me is that as citizens, every one of us will remember that the nation belongs to us. It does not belong to the government, it does not belong to politicians, it belongs to us,” he said.

The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria added, “We own this country and wherever we find ourselves, we must remember that we are holding one small part of Nigeria and we have a duty to do what we must, to contribute our own quota to this country.

“What we need to do is try to come together and articulate a clear and achievable ideological position, a vision for what kind of Nigeria we want to have.

“And it has to be a Nigeria different from the Nigeria that has been manufactured for us, a Nigeria of ethnic rivalries, religious conflicts, race seeking, competition for aggrandisement.

“It has to be a country that realises its potential in the committee of nations.”

Jide, a seasoned journalist with over 12-year experience, reports business-related stories

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.