Sanusi: Nigeria rewards corrupt politicians with more appointments

Muhammadu Sanusi, the Emir of Kano, says Nigeria’s value system has been eroded, with the society now glorifying wealth regardless of its source.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a Channels Television programme, Sanusi said Nigeria rewards persons who steal public funds with top government positions.

“The entire value system of the country has been eroded. We have been ruled by people who have no values, no name behind them, and no desire to leave a name after them,” he said.

“These are people who define themselves by how many houses they own, how many private jets they have, how much money they have in the bank.

“It is not important to them that people look at them and only see thieves, they see criminals, they see people who have taken the commonwealth.

“A society in which material wealth, no matter how you get it, is respected, is glorified, where people who are known to have stolen money get rewarded with ministerial, senatorial appointments — that society will continue to reproduce itself.”

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor said the absence of moral outrage against corrupt officials has entrenched a culture of impunity.

Sanusi added that many people in government were not properly raised, which reflects in their poor values and conduct in public service.

“We don’t have a sense of disgust for people who hold public office and amass wealth,” he said.

“We reward them with appointments, with more public offices, and more opportunities to amass wealth — and this is what Nigeria has become.

“Many people go into government to make money, but you don’t go into government to make money.”

The emir said many of the country’s leaders are not bothered about leaving a legacy, but are driven by the unbridled desire to accumulate wealth and luxury.

Reflecting on the legacy of the late Murtala Muhammed, former military head of state, Sanusi said Nigeria must undergo a deep moral rebirth.

He said value reorientation cannot be left to the president or state governors alone.

“I think we need an entire regeneration of values,” he said.

“It is not about one person. The president or the governors, or the ministers cannot on their own change this country.”

Sanusi also blamed politicians for weakening the civil service, saying the bureaucracy needs to be rebuilt to allow civil servants resist political interference.

He said Nigeria must return to strengthening institutions that uphold accountability and integrity.