Political elite deliberately undermine development for self-interest
The Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido, has leveled a strong accusation against Nigeria’s political elite.
He stated that this class consistently undermines the country’s potential for development by treating public office not as a national responsibility, but as a personal and family enterprise. This culture of self-enrichment, Emir Sanusi asserted, is the root cause of the nation’s persistent stagnation and underperformance.
Emir Sanusi made these critical comments on Wednesday while speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of the civil society group, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, in Lagos. Addressing a concerned audience, he argued that the nation’s political leadership has repeatedly squandered opportunities for growth because their priorities are overwhelmingly self-serving. He emphasized that the detrimental actions of the political class are not just accidental missed opportunities but deliberate ones.
The core reason for nigeria’s missed opportunities
The core of Emir Sanusi’s critique lies in the distorted understanding of governance held by those in power. He maintained that these individuals view public office as a means of enriching themselves and their inner circle, rather than serving the collective interests of the citizenry. The focus, he stressed, is on personal gain and aggrandizement, completely sidestepping the responsibilities of public stewardship.
He argued passionately that this self-serving mentality is responsible for the recurring failure to capitalize on the vast national opportunities available. The nation continues to struggle because the primary motivation of those at the helm is personal accumulation, not national progress. This ingrained system ensures that the welfare of the ordinary citizen is perpetually relegated below the interests of the few.
Emir Sanusi implored the audience, particularly the youth, to actively reject this deeply dysfunctional political system. He called for an immediate halt to the culture of damage that has been repeatedly inflicted upon the nation’s resources and moral fabric. He believes that the citizens themselves must stop accepting this broken status quo.
Youth urged to unite and define a new national direction
The influential monarch urged citizens to reclaim ownership of Nigeria, reminding them that the country belongs to them, not to the government or the politicians currently in power. He emphasized that this sense of collective ownership is the first step toward correcting the nation’s trajectory. He believes that if citizens truly feel ownership, they will act as conscientious custodians of the commonwealth.
Emir Sanusi then issued a pointed challenge to young Nigerians to unite across the divisive lines of ethnicity and religion. He argued that the current version of Nigeria—a “manufactured” one built on ethnic rivalries, religious conflicts, and unhealthy competition—must be replaced. He encouraged a unified effort to craft a new, clear, and realistic ideological roadmap for a more equitable future.
He insisted that the nation must shift its focus from internal conflicts to realizing its immense potential within the global community of nations. This new ideological roadmap should prioritize competence, transparency, and service over the self-interest currently dominating the political landscape. The Emir is championing a grassroots movement to redefine national priorities.
The urgent need for reform and a break from past errors
Emir Sanusi’s forceful statement reflects his consistent position as a vocal advocate for good governance and economic prudence. His commentary often draws attention to the consequences of political corruption and self-serving policies on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He has long championed the need for profound, systemic reforms.
The Emir is urging a complete break from the cycle of missed opportunities that has plagued the country for decades. He stressed that the nation has done enough damage to itself and must now stop the destructive pattern of leadership. The celebration of EiE Nigeria, a group dedicated to encouraging good governance and public accountability, provided a fitting platform for his candid address.
Ultimately, Emir Sanusi is calling for a moral and political revolution where public service is genuinely viewed as a service to the country, not a lucrative venture for an elite few. His message is a rallying cry for citizens to define a patriotic future for the country and demand accountability from those who aspire to lead. The burden of change, he asserted, rests with the collective will of the Nigerian people.
