The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned ministers and presidential aides against prioritizing sycophancy over providing honest advice to the President, warning that such behavior undermines governance and the economy.
Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch in Abuja on Monday, Sanusi criticized the culture of excessive praise in government, which often silences constructive criticism.
Sanusi lamented that Nigeria’s leadership crisis is exacerbated by a lack of integrity in public service, where those who speak uncomfortable truths are labeled enemies of the state.
“Our leaders listen only to those who tell them what they want to hear,” he said. “Nigeria has too many sycophants in government. Those who speak the truth are seen as enemies.”
He condemned the practice of officials showering political leaders with exaggerated praise during meetings, warning that it stifles accountability.
“You disgrace yourself and the office you hold when you become a praise singer,” Sanusi said, urging presidential advisers to focus on offering honest, actionable guidance instead of blind loyalty.
On the economy, Sanusi praised the Tinubu administration’s removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate unification, describing them as necessary but painful reforms.
However, he emphasized that these policies would fail without fiscal discipline and prudent government spending.
“If you stop subsidies but continue borrowing excessively, you’ve solved one problem only to create another,” he said, calling for reduced waste, a downsized cabinet, and visible leadership sacrifices. “Why do we need 48 ministers or long convoys of vehicles? We cannot ask the people to sacrifice while living in luxury at the top.”
Sanusi also reflected on the consequences of past policy inconsistencies, noting that the economic crisis stems from years of populist politics. He recalled how the same politicians who opposed subsidy removal in 2012 are now implementing it, having no choice but to confront the problem they once politicized.
The Emir commended Finance Minister Wale Edun and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso for taking steps to stabilize inflation and exchange rate volatility but stressed the need for further reforms to cut waste and ensure savings from subsidy removal benefit ordinary Nigerians.
At the conference, themed “Reimagining Leadership and Governance in a Changing Africa,” Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, echoed Sanusi’s views, emphasizing that the government must demonstrate fiscal responsibility. “Pain does not automatically lead to gain,” Peterside warned.
“Only wise spending, elimination of waste, and support for the poor can turn reforms into real benefits.”
Both Sanusi and Peterside concluded that Nigeria’s recovery depends on not just bold economic reforms but also a moral shift in leadership. “Good policy without good governance is like planting a tree and refusing to water it,” Sanusi said. “Leaders must surround themselves with truth-tellers, not praise singers, if Nigeria is to move forward.”