Nigerians Celebrate Looters with Government Positions – Emir Sanusi Laments

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the former Emir of Kano, has expressed strong disapproval over what he describes as a moral collapse in Nigerian governance and societal values. During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sanusi voiced concern about the normalization of corruption and the culture of rewarding known looters with high-ranking government roles.

According to Sanusi, Nigeria must end the practice of promoting individuals known for embezzling public funds by offering them prestigious government appointments. He stressed that when a society glorifies wealth regardless of its origin, it sends a dangerous message—one that reinforces corruption as acceptable or even admirable.

“When a society begins to respect material success without questioning its origin,” Sanusi remarked, “and elevates those who have looted the public treasury to ministerial or governmental roles, such a system is bound to regenerate corruption continuously.”

The ex-Central Bank Governor did not hold back in criticizing the celebratory treatment often given to individuals who have misused public trust for personal enrichment. Instead of facing consequences, these individuals are celebrated, decorated, and given further chances to exploit the system.

“There is no collective shame anymore for public officials who enrich themselves illegitimately,” he said. “Instead of being held accountable, they are gifted with further positions in government—more opportunities to steal. This has become Nigeria’s sad reality.”

Sanusi further argued that many of today’s political elites lack the foundational upbringing or ethical grounding required for true public service. Their goal, he claims, is not to serve the people but to profit personally.

“Public office is now seen as a gateway to wealth,” he stated. “But the truth is, public service should never be a money-making venture.”

He continued his critique by highlighting how many in leadership are more interested in their material possessions and social status than building a credible legacy.

“Our leaders have no intrinsic values. They neither inherited a good name nor are they interested in leaving one behind,” Sanusi said. “Their identity is tied to how many mansions they own, how many jets they fly, or how many billions sit in their bank accounts. That is their self-worth.”

Sanusi concluded with a sharp rebuke of such mindsets, arguing that these individuals are unconcerned with public perception—even if the people see them as corrupt or criminal.

“It doesn’t bother them that the public sees thieves when they look at them. They don’t care that their legacy is theft and greed. To them, moral values are irrelevant,” he lamented.