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.
The Kwara Transparency and Accountability Initiative (KTAI) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate alleged financial mismanagement by two key officials in Kwara State. Dr. AbdulWasiu Tejidini, head of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), and Baba Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), are accused of misappropriating N14.2 billion in public funds. Breakdown of Allegations In a detailed petition sent to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede on November 28, 2024, and obtained by The Guardian, the Executive Director of KTAI, Nurudeen Adebayo, outlined grave concerns: Call for Accountability Adebayo emphasized the importance of holding these officials accountable, arguing that their actions undermine federal efforts to combat corruption and alleviate poverty. He urged the EFCC to act swiftly by arresting and prosecuting those responsible to restore public trust. “These offices, which should drive development, have allegedly become channels for siphoning public funds, worsening hunger, frustration, and disenfranchisement among citizens,” Adebayo stated. Concerns Over Local EFCC Office In a notable move, the petition bypassed the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Office, citing fears of undue influence from the Kwara State Governor. Adebayo warned of an alleged alliance between the governor and the Ilorin office, which could compromise investigations. Instead, the petition was directed to EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, urging decisive intervention. Public Outcry Over Corruption The allegations come at a time when EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede has reiterated that corruption remains one of Africa’s biggest obstacles to development. KTAI’s petition paints a picture of a state administration plagued by corruption, with citizens bearing the brunt of its consequences. “This administration appears to be the most corrupt in Kwara State’s history. It’s time for decisive action to end this trend and hold public officers accountable,” the petition concluded. Key Takeaways The ball is now in the EFCC’s court to address these pressing allegations and deliver justice to the people of Kwara State. READ ALSO:
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Julius Anelu, the Accountant General of Edo State, along with two other government officials as the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State comes to a close. According to reports, the officials who were arrested were detained for allegedly making large withdrawals from the State’s derivation account. This comes after Obaseki’s administration was accused by Senator Monday Okpebholo “of last-minute borrowings and looting.” According to PUNCH, which cites a reliable source at the EFCC, N14 billion was left over a week after N24.6 billion was transferred into the government’s account. Approximately two to three people, including the state’s accountant general, were arrested. We have been looking into the Godwin Obaseki has been the state’s governor since 2022, but certain withdrawals from the state’s derivation account led to this most recent arrest. “Huge sums of money were taken out. For example, N24.6 billion was deposited into the account a few weeks ago. However, the account had roughly N14 billion left in less than a week. We have to act fast to save the state. The insider stated, “We are not doing that in any way to ground the state activities.” As of the time of this publication, the EFCC has not yet responded to the development in an official manner. Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State who was restored, expressed concern about his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, allegedly plotting to embezzle funds from the state treasury. During a press event in Benin City, Shaibu said that he was offering a N1 million monetary prize to anyone with information about suspected government property looting as the administration comes to an end. He had also stated that he had proof of the last-minute borrowing from banking institutions and the purported looting in some areas. READ ALSO: 33 million Nigerians would experience a food catastrophe in 2025. Additionally, he had urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other pertinent organizations to investigate the purported misappropriation of funds intended for the ongoing Radisson Hotel project, the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, and last-minute appointments made by the departing administration. We love having you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter.
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Jegede Oluwasina, 39, appeared in an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday on charges of assaulting two on-duty police officers. The defendant, who does not have a definite address, is facing two counts of assault and breach of peace and is awaiting trial. The defendant and other individuals at large committed the offenses on October 13 at approximately 9:00 am near the Okesha roundabout in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, according to the prosecution, Inspector Raymond Osas, who testified in court. He said that when Akinyemi Olawale and Adewunmi David, two traffic cops assigned to the Okesha Divisional Police Station, Ado-Ekiti, were carrying out their legal duties, they were assaulted by the defendant and other individuals at large. According to the prosecutor, the defendant attacked the complainants after they argued over breaking traffic laws. READ ALSO According to Osas, the defendant carried out oneself in a way that could lead to a breach of the peace. He claims that the offenses violate Ekiti State’s 2021 Laws Sections 187(a), (b), (c), and 181(d). In order to review the file and gather his witnesses, he pleaded with the court to postpone the case. However, the defendant entered a not guilty plea to the case that was brought against him. Mr. Ademola Richard, the defendant’s attorney, pleaded with the court to release the defendant on bond, pledging that he would not violate it. After granting the defendant N20,000 bail with one surety in the same amount, Magistrate Mr. Olatomiwa Daramola postponed the matter to November 18 for a hearing.
