Sanusi says Nigerian leaders not bothered citizens see them as criminals; “it is simply not important” in the social value system
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“Many people go into government for the wrong reasons. You do not go into government to make money. If you want to make money, you become a businessman.
“Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa. He has never been a Commissioner or a Governor or a Minister.
“It is not important to them that people look at them and only see thieves. They see criminals. They see people who have taken away the commonwealth. It is simply not important, because for them, values do not matter.
“Unfortunately, a society in which material wealth – no matter how you get it – is respected and glorified will continue to reproduce itself” – Sanusi.
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Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi has expressed concern over leadership and value system in Nigeria, saying public office holders do not care that people see them as criminals, especially those who steal public funds and flaunt the loot.
The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor declared on Channels Television that the country is being ruled by people who lack proper upbringing and moral values.
“The truth is, many people that you have in public office today were simply not well brought up,” he insisted.
Sanusi recounted being taught civic values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for human rights during his early years at King’s College, Lagos, stressing that public office should be seen as an opportunity to serve, not a means to accumulate wealth.
“Many people go into government for the wrong reasons. You do not go into government to make money. If you want to make money, you become a businessman.
“Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa. He has never been a Commissioner or a Governor or a Minister,” Sausi reiterated.
He lamented that Nigeria’s value system has been eroded, with many leaders now defining success by material possessions rather than legacy or public service.
“It is not important to them that people look at them and only see thieves. They see criminals. They see people who have taken away the commonwealth. It is simply not important, because for them, values do not matter.”
The decline is not limited to political leaders, he noted, stressing it extends to religious and traditional institutions, accusing many of becoming sycophants and praise singers.
“Unfortunately, a society in which material wealth – no matter how you get it – is respected and glorified will continue to reproduce itself.”
In his view, meaningful change cannot come from a single individual, like a President or Governor, but would require a total regeneration of societal values – even though a President or Governor has to set good examples for others to follow.
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