Stop Praising Presidents, Tell Them the Truth – Sanusi tells Ministers

The Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged ministers and presidential aides to speak truth to power instead of engaging in sycophancy.

Speaking in Abuja at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, Sanusi warned that excessive praise of leaders discourages honest feedback and hinders good governance. He noted that Nigeria’s leadership crisis is worsened by aides who flatter presidents rather than give sincere advice.

The Emir commended the Tinubu administration’s removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification but cautioned that such reforms would fail without discipline and prudent spending. He also questioned the size of the federal cabinet and criticized wasteful government expenditure.

Sanusi called for integrity and courage among public officials, stressing that “blind loyalty” has done more harm than good.

Also speaking, economist Atedo Peterside echoed Sanusi’s concerns, saying savings from subsidy removal must be used to improve citizens’ welfare.

Both leaders agreed that Nigeria’s progress depends on moral leadership and accountability in governance.