“Truth-Tellers are seen as enemies” — Sanusi decries culture of sycophancy in Government

The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned ministers and presidential aides against turning into praise singers instead of offering sincere advice crucial for Nigeria’s economic recovery.

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

He stressed that integrity and courage are vital in public service, lamenting that sycophancy continues to undermine effective leadership, as those who speak the truth are often branded enemies.

“Our leaders listen only to voices that flatter them,” Sanusi said. “Nigeria is plagued by sycophants in government; truth-tellers are viewed as threats.”

He criticised the growing culture of excessive praise at official events, saying it suppresses honest advice and sound decision-making.

“In meetings with the President, the opening remarks often shower him with exaggerated praise that shapes the kind of advice he receives,” he said.

“Meanwhile, honest feedback is dismissed, and the messenger is tagged an enemy. That’s why people like Atedo Peterside and I are often misunderstood.”

Sanusi urged ministers and advisers to restore the integrity of public service by speaking truth to power, insisting that blind loyalty weakens governance.

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

Commending the Tinubu administration’s removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates as difficult but necessary steps, Sanusi, however, cautioned that the progress could be reversed without strong fiscal discipline and prudent spending.

“Ending subsidies while increasing borrowing is just shifting the problem,” he said.

“The critical issue now is ensuring government spending quality and managing saved resources wisely.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s long-standing economic challenges, he blamed years of inconsistent policies and populist politics, noting that even those who opposed subsidy removal in 2012 have now accepted its inevitability.

Sanusi also praised Finance Minister Wale Edun and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso for their professionalism in tackling inflation and stabilising the exchange rate but called for urgent action to cut waste and reduce the size of government.

“Why have 48 ministers and lavish spending while preaching sacrifice?” he queried. “Leadership should set the example.”

The conference, themed “Reimagining Leadership and Governance in a Changing Africa,” brought together policymakers and experts to discuss governance and institutional reform.

Atedo Peterside echoed Sanusi’s position, urging fiscal responsibility and the strategic use of subsidy savings to uplift Nigerians.

“Pain alone doesn’t guarantee gain,” Peterside said. “It requires wise spending, cutting waste, and supporting the vulnerable.”

Both leaders agreed that Nigeria’s recovery depends not only on bold reforms but also on a moral reawakening among its leaders.

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“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.”

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