Emir Sanusi accuses political leaders of holding Nigeria back 

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, says many Nigerian politicians are blocking the country’s progress on purpose.

Speaking in Lagos at the 15th anniversary of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, Sanusi said some members of the political class see public office as a personal or family business instead of a responsibility to serve citizens.

He said this attitude is a major reason Nigeria is not moving forward.

According to him, leaders often ignore real chances to improve the country because they focus on their own interests.

“We have done enough damage, and maybe we need to stop,” he said.

“These are not just missed opportunities, sometimes they are deliberately missed opportunities.”

Sanusi added that Nigeria’s leaders think mainly about themselves, their families, and their close associates.

“But public office is about the citizens,” he stressed.

The Emir urged young Nigerians not to accept the dysfunctional system they have inherited.

He said they should work together to build a country that reflects their hopes, not the failures of past leaders.

He described today’s system as one built on ethnic division, religious tension, and the pursuit of personal gain.

“The nation belongs to us. It does not belong to the government or politicians,” he said. “Wherever we find ourselves, we are holding one small part of Nigeria, and we have a duty to contribute our quota.”

Sanusi called on youths from all backgrounds to unite and define the kind of country they want, one that is different from the Nigeria shaped by years of mismanagement.

“It has to be a Nigeria that rises above ethnic rivalries, religious conflicts, and rent-seeking,” he said.

“It has to be a country that finally realises its potential in the committee of nations.”

Emir Sanusi accuses political leaders of holding Nigeria back