Sanusi warns ministers, aides against sycophancy, urges honest counsel for Nigeria’s progress

The Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cautioned ministers and presidential aides to avoid the trap of sycophancy and instead offer sincere, constructive advice essential for Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch held in Abuja on Monday, Sanusi, alongside economist and banker Atedo Peterside, dissected Nigeria’s economic policies and governance challenges.

Sanusi stressed that true leadership demands integrity, courage, and a commitment to truth, even when it is uncomfortable. He lamented that Nigeria’s governance system continues to suffer because many public officials choose flattery over honesty, thereby weakening accountability and effective decision-making.

“Our leaders listen only to voices that flatter them,” he said. “Nigeria is plagued by sycophants in government; truth-tellers are viewed as threats.”
He criticized the widespread practice of excessive praise at official events, which, he warned, suppresses candid advice and good governance.

“In meetings with the President, the opening remarks often shower him with exaggerated praise that dictates the advice he receives,” Sanusi noted. “Conversely, honest feedback is dismissed, branding the messenger an enemy. That’s why people like Atedo Peterside and I are often misunderstood.”

Sanusi called on ministers and advisers to restore public service integrity by speaking truth to power, highlighting that blind loyalty hampers Nigeria’s progress.

“Turning into praise singers degrades the office you hold and does no good for the President,” he stressed.

Praising the Tinubu administration’s removal of fuel subsidy and unified exchange rates as difficult but necessary reforms, Sanusi warned these gains could be undone without strict fiscal discipline and prudent spending.

“Ending subsidies while increasing borrowing is just shifting the problem,” he said. “The critical issue now is government spending quality and managing saved resources well.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s economic woes, he attributed them to years of inconsistent policies and populist politics, noting that opponents of subsidy removal in 2012 have now had to embrace it.

The Emir commended Finance Minister Wale Edun and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso for their professionalism in stabilizing inflation and exchange rates but urged urgent measures to cut waste and reduce government size.
“Why have 48 ministers and lavish spending while preaching sacrifice?” he questioned. “Leadership should set the example.”

The conference themed “Reimagining Leadership and Governance in a Changing Africa” featured policymakers and experts exploring effective governance and institutional reform.

Atedo Peterside echoed calls for fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the need to channel subsidy savings towards uplifting Nigerians.

“Pain alone doesn’t guarantee gain,” Peterside said. “It requires wise spending, cutting waste, and supporting the vulnerable.”
Both leaders agreed Nigeria’s recovery hinges not only on bold reforms but a moral revival among its leaders.

“Good policy without good governance is like planting a tree but refusing to water it,” Sanusi concluded.

“Leaders must stop surrounding themselves with flattery and start embracing hard truths.”