The Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cautioned ministers and presidential aides against engaging in flattery instead of giving the President truthful and constructive advice. Sanusi emphasized that the practice of praise-singing only worsens the country’s economic challenges by preventing leaders from receiving the honest feedback necessary for effective decision-making.
Speaking at a public event, Sanusi criticized the growing culture among government officials who prioritize pleasing the President over speaking truthfully about the state of the nation. He stated that this attitude creates a false sense of progress within the corridors of power, leaving critical economic and social problems unaddressed. According to him, leaders cannot make sound policies if those around them refuse to speak candidly about the nation’s realities.
Sanusi, who is known for his outspoken views on governance and economic policy, argued that the duty of ministers and aides is to help the President succeed by offering professional and sincere guidance, even when such advice may be uncomfortable to hear. He maintained that silence or sycophancy in the face of poor policies contributes to national decline rather than loyalty to the government.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s recurring economic difficulties stem partly from a pattern of poor advice and a lack of accountability among those in leadership positions. Sanusi stressed that the country’s future depends on the courage of officials to tell the truth and to recommend meaningful reforms rather than defending ineffective policies for political reasons.
The Emir noted that leadership is not about surrounding oneself with people who will always agree but about welcoming those who can offer constructive criticism. He reminded public servants that their ultimate responsibility is to the Nigerian people, not to political interests. Sanusi said the failure to uphold this responsibility has been one of the major reasons for policy inconsistency and weak governance in Nigeria over the years.
He further explained that economic growth and stability require transparent communication between leaders and their advisers. When advisers tell the President only what he wants to hear, Sanusi said, it creates a dangerous illusion of progress. Such an environment discourages innovation and policy reform, leading to repeated economic setbacks.
The former CBN governor also drew from his own experience in public office, stating that he had often disagreed with political authorities when policies were not in the best interest of the nation. He encouraged current officials to show similar integrity, stressing that true service involves honesty and courage rather than blind loyalty.
Sanusi called for a cultural shift within the government, urging leaders to build teams that value truth, competence, and accountability over personal gain or political survival. He said that only through genuine advice and evidence-based policymaking can Nigeria overcome its economic stagnation and regain the trust of its citizens.
He concluded by warning that no administration can achieve meaningful progress if its ministers and aides are unwilling to challenge poor decisions or highlight uncomfortable facts. According to him, patriotism is demonstrated through honesty and service to the nation, not through public praise or sycophancy. Sanusi’s message serves as a reminder that the success of any government depends not on constant approval from its inner circle but on the courage of its members to speak the truth, even when it is inconvenient.
