The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against surrounding himself with praise singers who flatter him instead of giving sincere and constructive advice.
Speaking at an event in Abuja, the former Central Bank Governor said Nigeria’s leaders must learn to value truth over flattery if the country is to overcome its growing economic and governance challenges.
“Our leaders listen, but only to those who tell them what they want to hear,” Sanusi said. “Nigeria has too many sycophants in government. Those who speak the truth are often seen as enemies of the state.”
The Emir condemned the culture of exaggerated praises at meetings and public events, describing it as a major obstacle to good governance and accountability.
According to him, many officials begin discussions by hailing the President’s greatness rather than addressing the pressing issues affecting Nigerians.
“You sit in a meeting and the President is there. The first thing people say is, ‘Mr. President, I want to thank you for your great leadership. God has blessed Nigeria by making you our leader,’” Sanusi said. “By the time they finish laying that foundation, it is their advice that the President accepts.”
Sanusi lamented that those who speak truthfully are often branded as enemies, citing himself and businessman Atedo Peterside as examples of individuals who have been unfairly criticised for their honesty.
He urged ministers and presidential aides to show integrity and courage, reminding them that loyalty to the President does not mean abandoning one’s conscience.
“Those who work with the President must understand that it is not in their benefit to turn themselves into praise singers,” he said. “You disgrace yourself and the office you hold when you do that.”
Turning to economic matters, the Emir commended the Tinubu administration for removing fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate, describing both as “painful but necessary” reforms. However, he warned that these measures could fail if the government continues to engage in wasteful spending and excessive borrowing.
“If you stop paying subsidies but continue borrowing more, it means you’ve filled one hole only to dig another,” he said. “The real challenge now is the quality of government spending and the management of the revenues saved.”
Sanusi criticised the large size of the federal cabinet and the lavish lifestyle of top government officials.
“Why do we need 48 ministers? Why do we need long convoys of vehicles and endless travel expenses?” he asked. “We cannot preach sacrifice to the people while living in luxury at the top.”
The Emir stressed that sound economic reforms must be supported by moral leadership and discipline.
“Good policy without good governance is like planting a tree and refusing to water it,” he said. “Nigeria’s leaders must stop surrounding themselves with praise singers and start listening to the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.”
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