The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, expressed serious concerns about Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts, emphasising the need to strengthen institutional integrity for real progress.

During a discussion with Channels Television, Sanusi highlighted that agencies tasked with detecting and prosecuting corruption, along with the judiciary, should operate free from political meddling.

He also pointed out that individuals accused of corruption have had their cases dismissed in some instances because of political backing or connections.

“We have institutions that are supposed to identify corrupt people and prosecute them. You have courts that are supposed to do it,” Sanusi said.

“We have seen in this country people who are facing corruption charges who basically just get those charges dropped because they belong to the right political environment or have the right political support.”

The ex-governor of Nigeria's Central Bank highlighted instances where legal actions prompted debates over whether these efforts truly target corruption or serve as tools for political harassment.

He emphasized that merely amending legislation is insufficient; the enforcement agencies must also operate efficiently to achieve meaningful change.

“Now until the politicians and those who control political office and the judiciary decide that they are going to use these laws for the purpose for which they are set up, we’re not going to get anywhere,” he said.

“So the laws are one thing, and I think it’s a good thing that we’re looking at the laws, but we also have to look at the institutions that are involved in the enforcement of the law, and that is the only way we make progress.”

Sanusi concluded: “Otherwise, anyone knows that you can get away with anything if you have the right political connections.”

ASA