Sanusi Blasts Praise-Singing in Government, Urges Ministers to Cut Waste and Speak Truth to Power

Nigeria’s Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on ministers and presidential aides to stop the growing culture of praise-singing and instead offer honest, constructive advice to rescue the nation’s ailing economy.

Speaking in Abuja at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch, Sanusi said the country’s leadership had become surrounded by sycophants who tell those in power only what they want to hear.

“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 outspoken Emir criticised the endless flattery at official events, describing it as damaging to accountability and effective governance. He urged public officials to restore honesty and integrity to government, warning that blind loyalty has stalled Nigeria’s development.

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

Sanusi praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate unification but cautioned that the gains would be lost without fiscal discipline. “If you stop paying subsidies but continue borrowing more, you’ve filled one hole only to dig another,” he warned.

He also questioned the size of the federal cabinet, asking, “Why do we need 48 ministers? Why do we need long convoys and endless travel expenses? We cannot preach sacrifice to the people while living in luxury at the top.”

Economist Atedo Peterside echoed Sanusi’s message, urging the government to spend savings from subsidy removal transparently to benefit ordinary Nigerians.