Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, says Nigerians perceive political office holders in the country as thieves and criminals looting their commonwealth.
Sanusi spoke on Wednesday, during an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a Channels Television programme.
The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) said politicians go into governance to steal public funds because the country’s value system has been eroded.
He lamented that the society glorifies wealth, regardless of its source.
The Emir added that yet, Nigeria rewards such corrupt politicians with top government positions.
“The entire value system of the country has been eroded. We have been ruled by people who have no values, no name behind them, and no desire to leave a name after them,” he said.
“These are people who define themselves by how many houses they own, how many private jets they have, how much money they have in the bank.
“It is not important to them that people look at them and only see thieves, they see criminals, they see people who have taken the commonwealth.
“A society in which material wealth, no matter how you get it, is respected, is glorified, where people who are known to have stolen money get rewarded with ministerial, senatorial appointments — that society will continue to reproduce itself.”
Sanusi said the absence of moral outrage against corrupt officials has entrenched a culture of impunity.
The emir of Kano further stated that many people in government were not properly raised, which reflects in their poor values and conduct in public service.
“We don’t have a sense of disgust for people who hold public office and amass wealth,” he said.
“We reward them with appointments, with more public offices, and more opportunities to amass wealth — and this is what Nigeria has become.
“Many people go into government to make money, but you don’t go into government to make money.
“I think we need an entire regeneration of values.
“It is not about one person. The president or the governors, or the ministers cannot on their own change this country.”
He stressed that Nigeria must return to strengthening institutions that uphold accountability and integrity.
