Nigerian Elites Are Detached from Grassroots Struggles – Kano Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II Raises Alarm Over Rising Poverty

The Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed deep concern over the growing economic hardship in Nigeria, stating that many elites remain disconnected from the day-to-day realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

Sanusi made this declaration on Saturday during a public lecture in Abuja, commemorating the 60th birthday of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

In his remarks, the former Central Bank Governor recounted his personal experience after ascending the throne as Emir. He explained that he only came to truly understand the severity of poverty when he became deeply involved with the rural populace.

“I encountered true hardship when I became Emir. The statistics I saw as an economist could not fully explain the lived experiences of the masses,” Sanusi shared.

He observed how millions of Nigerians struggle daily, particularly in remote communities where basic amenities like clean water and healthcare remain out of reach.

“You see the water people drink in villages, the broken-down houses they live in, and classrooms with no roofs. It is heartbreaking,” he added.

Sanusi criticized how infrastructure projects in cities, such as overhead bridges and underpasses, are prioritized, while rural areas remain deprived of basic healthcare access.

“Do we genuinely care for the people, or are we only interested in ruling them? What truly are our priorities?”

He urged leaders to embrace empathy and compassion, emphasizing that the nation’s current economic crisis demands leaders who are grounded and sensitive to the suffering of the people.

“We are in a crisis. Our concern should be how to get out of it, not further entrench divisions or selfish governance,” Sanusi concluded.