Daily Lens
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has criticised Nigeria’s leadership, describing it as “lousy” and responsible for the nation’s persistent economic and social challenges.
Speaking at the second edition of the Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST), organised by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, Sanusi lamented that while the rest of the world is debating artificial intelligence and climate change, Nigeria remains fixated on ethnic and religious issues dating back to the 1960s.
“You rise and fall with the quality of your leadership, and Nigeria has had lousy leadership for a long time,” the outspoken monarch and former Central Bank governor said.
He noted that the poor quality of national discourse and misplaced priorities in governance have kept the country stagnant.
Call to Youth
Sanusi challenged Nigerian youths to take charge of the nation’s future by rejecting recycled, unproductive leaders.
“Until the young people decide enough is enough and take this country from the old people who have held it down, nothing will change,” he stressed.
Fuel Subsidy Removal
On the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, Sanusi reiterated his long-standing support, calling the practice unsustainable.
He argued that subsidy spending had drained Nigeria’s finances while enriching foreign refineries, insisting that earlier reforms could have prevented the current hardship.
“Government revenue will never be enough to sustain consumption subsidies. Beyond a point, you’d have to borrow to pay it,” he said.
Rising Debt Profile
Sanusi also raised concerns about Nigeria’s rising debt, warning that continued reckless borrowing could have severe long-term consequences.
“If the rate at which governments borrow and squander money continues, it will have a damaging effect on our economy in the years to come,” he cautioned.
Festival for Change
The festival, themed “Poetry in a Time of Crisis,” brought together poets, scholars, and young creatives who used the platform to reflect on Nigeria’s challenges and envision a better future.
Creative Director Nasiba Babale said the initiative was designed to promote peace, healing, and activism through art, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
“KAPFEST is about reminding poets and artists that their voices matter. We believe poetry and art can be powerful tools for change,” Babale noted.
