In light of current events in the nation, the 14th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, has expressed that Nigerians tolerate excessive behaviour from politicians who underestimate them. He encouraged Nigerians to resist being intimidated by the president or governors.
Sanusi’s remarks, shared in a widely circulated video, also suggested that citizens should not feel cowed by political leaders. He emphasized that unless politicians are held responsible, future generations might lack a homeland to claim as their own.
The Emir said: “We cannot be intimidated by somebody because you are a president or you are a governor and we cannot tell you that you are wrong.
“We have chosen different parts. If I had gone into politics, at least given the people that have access to be president in Nigeria, I could have become president or I could be governor.
“That I choose not to go into politics does not mean I’m a subordinate human being. This is what we all have to learn as Nigerians.
“We take too much rubbish, and we are all too afraid in our comfort zones. By the time these guys might have finished with us, our children will not have anywhere to call a nation.
“The only way to retrieve our nation and give our children the future they deserve is, if you are not in politics, you must hold those in politics to account.
“It is not a comfortable situation to be in. When people are incompetent and they don’t like you, you wear their dislike as a badge of honour.
“You can’t be comfortable and feel normal in a distortional environment. And for the young people, do not fail. This is your country, this is your future. Help us build this country.”
