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Ministers Should Stop Flattering Presidents And Speak Truth – Sanusi

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedOctober 28, 2025

The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cautioned ministers and presidential aides against flattering the President instead of providing honest advice that could strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch in Abuja, Sanusi said Nigeria’s leadership struggles are deepened by sycophancy, where those who tell the truth are often treated as adversaries.

“Our leaders listen, but only to those who tell them what they want to hear,” he said. “Nigeria has too many sycophants in government, and truth-tellers are branded enemies.”

He criticised the culture of excessive praise during official meetings, noting it often determines which advice the President accepts. “People start by saying, ‘Mr. President, thank you for your great leadership,’ and by the time they finish, their advice is what the President acts on. Meanwhile, anyone pointing out problems is seen as the enemy.”

Sanusi urged public officials to prioritise integrity over blind loyalty. “Those who work with the President should not degrade themselves by becoming praise singers. It disrespects both their office and the nation,” he said.

Turning to the economy, Sanusi acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates as necessary, though painful, measures. He warned that without disciplined spending and effective revenue management, the reforms risk failing.

“If you stop paying subsidies but continue borrowing excessively, you’ve filled one hole only to dig another,” he said.

Sanusi, who led the CBN from 2009 to 2014, said Nigeria’s economic challenges stem from years of policy inconsistency and populist politics, noting that those who opposed subsidy removal in 2012 are now forced to implement it.

He praised Finance Minister Wale Edun and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso for stabilising inflation and reducing exchange rate volatility but called for further action to cut government waste, downsize the cabinet, and lead by example. “Why 48 ministers, long convoys, and endless travel expenses? You cannot preach sacrifice while living in luxury,” he said.

Sanusi added that leaders must stop surrounding themselves with praise singers and listen to the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.