The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said his role as a traditional ruler gives him the moral authority to advise Nigeria’s political leaders, regardless of constitutional provisions.
Sanusi made the remarks during an interview on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme, on Wednesday, February 4, where he spoke on the relevance of traditional institutions to governance and national development.
According to the monarch, advising the president or state governors on issues affecting the country does not require constitutional backing, but flows naturally from his position as a leader of his people.
The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said his responsibility to speak up is rooted in leadership and public trust, not in legal technicalities.
Sanusi said, “Do I need to be told to advise the President? Do I need the Constitution to tell me that if I think there is something the country needs, I should go to the President and say, ‘Mr President, I think this is wrong?’
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“I don’t need the Constitution. I don’t need the Constitution to tell the governor that I think this is what we should be doing. I get that authority from being a leader of the people.”
Beyond the question of advisory roles, the Emir also stressed the importance of inclusive participation in governance.
He called for greater involvement of women in nation-building, arguing that meaningful development cannot be achieved without their active participation.
The royal father said women have vital contributions to make to governance and urged political actors to create more opportunities for women to occupy elected and decision-making positions.
Sanusi maintained that strengthening inclusion, alongside responsible leadership at all levels, remains critical to achieving good governance and sustainable national progress.