The former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II has envisaged deeper challenges in Nigeria in 2023, saying presidential aspirants should be prepared.
Sanusi noted that Nigeria is living on extra time and that time is ticking out’
The.former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria spoke on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, at a reception marking the 80th birthday of Babanla Adinni of Egbaland, Chief Tayo Sowunmi.
Sanusi is the leader of the Khalifa of Tijaniyya sect in Nigeria, and he recalled that Nigeria was in mess in 2015, saying that 2023 would be messier.
He admonished those aspiring to preside over the nation that there are challenges confronting already and if they make mistake, citizens would pay dearly for it.
“The challenges facing all those people who are struggling to be President, I hope they understand that the problems that they are going to face are multiples of the problems that were faced in 2015 and all of us have to be ready for difficult decisions and if they are taken, we are all going to pay for it.
“But the solution is not for all of us to jump into politics, this country needs good politicians, it needs Imams and pastors and bishops who are going to stand up and remind them (politicians) of the fear of God.
“It needs technocrats who are going to critique their policies, it needs traditional rulers who are going to speak as the conscience of the people, everyone has a role to play and we should try to play that role to the best of our ability.”
He denied aspiring for presidency in 2023, noting that he’s satisfied being a spiritual leader, particularly that he has served in various capacities in the past and he will forever be grateful to Allah.
Segun Sowunmi, who spoke on behalf of the family, asked if Nigeria should be expecting a future President in Sanusi.
Sowunmi, a former Spokesman to Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had asked “People who are Khalifa of your quality must never ever be relinquished or extinguished.
“So, the asked me to ask you, are we going to be looking for a president in future? Do I even have the answer? I Do not know. But one thing I have said to them is that, for as long as you live, I have taken the liberty to say, you will always be a Nigerian patriot, a detribalised Nigerian, a leader of leaders, a holder of Ummah of Islam, the spiritual leader of the Tijanniya and the leading light of everything beautiful.”
