The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, warned that Nigeria has endured “lousy leadership” for a long time, a factor he says has fueled the country’s current economic and social woes. Speaking at the Kano International Poetry Festival, he stressed that Nigeria’s progress is directly linked to the quality of its governance and called for more effective leadership.
Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, criticized the national discourse for fixating on ethnic and religious divisions, contrasting it with the more progressive conversations occurring elsewhere in the world. He noted that while other nations debate climate change and artificial intelligence, Nigeria remains preoccupied with regional and sectarian differences. He urged young Nigerians to take charge of their country’s future by demanding better leaders and refusing to support those who are unproductive, warning that the status quo will persist until the youth push for change.
The emir also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, describing the practice as unsustainable and a potential route to bankruptcy. Regarding Nigeria’s mounting debt, Sanusi cautioned that continued borrowing and wasteful spending could damage the economy for years to come, urging leaders to assume responsibility for financial decisions and invest in long‑term sustainability.
The Kano International Poetry Festival, themed “Poetry in a Time of Crisis,” sought to use art as a vehicle for peace, healing, and activism, especially in Northern Nigeria. The event gathered poets, scholars, and young creatives from across the country, providing a platform to reflect on Nigeria’s challenges and envision a better future through artistic expression. Sanusi’s remarks underscore the urgent need for effective leadership and responsible governance to address the nation’s economic and social difficulties.
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