The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, warned that Nigeria has long suffered from incompetent leadership. Speaking at the second edition of the Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST), organized by the Creative Wednesday Initiative, he stressed that good governance is essential to rescue the country from its current plight. “You rise and fall with the quality of your leadership, and Nigeria has had lousy leadership for a long time,” he said, linking the nation’s progress directly to the caliber of its leaders.
Sanusi also criticized the nation’s preoccupation with religious and tribal debates, arguing that these discussions distract from more urgent issues such as artificial intelligence and climate change. He noted that, unlike many other countries, Nigeria remains stuck in debates reminiscent of the 1960s, focused on ethnicity and religion rather than forward‑looking policies. He called on the youth to take charge, asserting that they have the power to retire the old guard and assume leadership of the country.
The Emir praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, describing it as a necessary step to avert bankruptcy. He explained that subsidizing fuel consumption was unsustainable and primarily benefited European refineries, not Nigeria’s economy. Sanusi suggested that the money saved could be redirected to develop domestic refining capacity.
Overall, the Emir’s remarks underscore the urgent need for effective leadership and a shift in focus toward Nigeria’s pressing challenges. With the nation confronting numerous development hurdles, his emphasis on good governance and strategic decision‑making is likely to resonate with many citizens, highlighting the critical role of forward‑looking leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future.
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