The 14th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido II, has strongly warned that public office should never be used as a way to get rich. Speaking during a television interview marking 50 years since the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, the former Central Bank governor said many leaders today lack the proper upbringing needed for responsible governance.

Sanusi explained that in his days at King's College, students were taught values such as honesty, integrity, and the need to leave behind a good name. According to him, these lessons shaped his belief that public office is a chance to serve the people, not an opportunity to build personal wealth. Sadly, he noted, many leaders enter government for selfish reasons.

He lamented the collapse of Nigeria's value system, blaming it on leaders who measure success only by money and material possessions. Sanusi said such leaders forget that the true worth of a person lies in service and legacy, not in owning private jets or billions of naira.

The Emir also criticised both religious and traditional leaders, accusing many of becoming praise singers for those in power instead of guiding them with truth and courage. He said this failure has contributed to the moral decline in the country.

Recalling his personal relationship with General Murtala Mohammed, Sanusi described him as gentle, humorous, and unafraid to speak truth to power. He urged today's leaders to embrace these same qualities.
Sanusi concluded by calling for a complete renewal of values, saying that without it, Nigeria cannot achieve lasting progress.

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