The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the erosion of values across various levels of Nigerian society.
Speaking during an interview today, Wednesday, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor criticised the culture of rewarding individuals who looted the nation’s commonwealth with further public opportunities.
Sanusi argued that many in public office today lack proper upbringing, which he believes contributes to their misconduct and misunderstanding of the true purpose of governance.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late former military Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, 50 years after his leadership, the Emir emphasised the urgent need for a national rebirth rooted in ethics and integrity.
He said both leaders and citizens alike are responsible for the regeneration of values in the country.
For him, material wealth should not be elevated beyond values such as honesty, diligence, compassion, among others.
“I think we need an entire regeneration of values. It is not about one person, the president or the governors, or the ministers cannot on their change this country.
“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 appointments, that society will continue to reproduce itself.
“We don’t have a sense of disgust for people who hold public office and amass wealth; we reward them with appointments, with more public offices, and more opportunities to amass wealth, and this is what Nigeria has become,” he stated.
He observed that politicians destroyed the civil service, stressing that Nigeria needs to go back to strengthening the system to embolden civil servants to say ‘no’ when asked by politicians to break the rules.