Stop Praising Presidents, Tell Them the Truth – Emir Sanusi Warns Ministers

The Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cautioned ministers and presidential aides against acting as praise singers instead of offering honest advice that can help the President make sound decisions for the nation’s progress.

Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch in Abuja on Monday, Sanusi decried what he described as a culture of sycophancy in Nigeria’s political leadership, where truth-tellers are often branded as enemies of the government.

“Our leaders listen, but only to those who tell them what they want to hear,” Sanusi said. “Nigeria has too many sycophants in government. Those who speak the truth are seen as enemies of the state.”

The Emir, who shared the stage with economist and entrepreneur Atedo Peterside, warned that excessive flattery in government circles was undermining effective leadership and accountability.

He cited the common practice of public officials excessively praising presidents during meetings and public events, arguing that such behaviour silences genuine advice.

“You sit in a meeting, and the President is there. The first thing people say is, ‘Mr. President, I want to thank you for your great leadership. God has blessed Nigeria by making you our leader,’” Sanusi noted. “By the time they finish laying that foundation, it is their advice that the President accepts.”

He urged political appointees to speak truth to power, even when it is uncomfortable, insisting that blind loyalty has long been one of Nigeria’s biggest obstacles to good governance.

“Those who work with the President must understand that it is not in their benefit to turn themselves into praise singers,” he said. “You disgrace yourself and the office you hold when you do that.”

On Nigeria’s economy, Sanusi praised the Tinubu administration’s removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification, describing them as “painful but necessary” steps. However, he cautioned that the reforms would fail without fiscal discipline, institutional reform, and responsible public spending.

The outspoken monarch, known for his forthright views on governance and economic management, urged Nigerian leaders to value integrity, courage, and honesty in public service — qualities he said are critical to the country’s transformation.