The Emir of Kano and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged ministers and presidential aides to stop engaging in praise-singing and instead offer honest, constructive advice that can help rescue Nigeria’s struggling economy.

Sanusi gave the charge on Monday in Abuja during the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch, where he and renowned economist, Atedo Peterside, examined the country’s governance and economic challenges.

Addressing the theme of integrity and courage in public service, the Emir expressed concern over the growing culture of sycophancy in government, noting that many leaders prefer flattery to the truth.

“Our leaders listen but only to those who tell them what they want to hear.

“Nigeria has too many sycophants in government. Those who speak the truth are seen as enemies of the state,” Sanusi said.

He decried the excessive culture of praise at official events, describing it as harmful to effective governance and accountability.

“You sit in a meeting and the President is there. The first thing people say is, ‘Mr. President, I want to thank you for your great leadership. God has blessed Nigeria by making you our leader.

“By the time they finish laying that foundation, it is their advice that the President accepts.

“But when you tell the truth and point out what is wrong, they say you are the enemy. That is why people like Atedo Peterside and I are always seen as enemies of the state because people don’t like hearing the truth,” he said.

Sanusi appealed to public officials to restore integrity and honesty to governance, stressing that blind loyalty has hindered Nigeria’s progress for decades.

“Those who work with the President must understand that it is not in their best interest to turn themselves into praise singers.

“You disgrace yourself and the office you hold when you do that,” he warned.