Sanusi Shares His Calmness After Losing Key Positions

Muhammadu Sanusi II, who previously served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and as the 16th Emir of Kano, has shared insights into why he maintained his composure after relinquishing two significant positions in his career.

Addressing attendees at the Fola Adeola Annual Ramadan Lecture, Sanusi spoke about the importance of resilience and faith, highlighting how his belief in God guided him through challenging times following his suspension from the CBN and subsequent ouster as Emir of Kano.

He remarked that many individuals mistakenly credit personal achievements and situations to human beings instead of acknowledging that it is God's will that orchestrates changes in circumstances.

"Too often in our lives, we attribute things to human beings, but they are all creations of God," Sanusi stated.

He emphasized the significance of remembering that situations are not static and that Allah has the power to alter one’s fate, which aids in coping with life's difficulties.

Sanusi cautioned against demeaning oneself in the quest for acceptance from influential individuals, asserting that many erroneously think their fortunes are entirely at the mercy of others.

"I have witnessed people who beg and demean themselves, thinking that their future is determined by a specific person," he remarked.

Referring to his own experiences, Sanusi illustrated how fortunes can shift unexpectedly. "I was suspended from my role as the governor of the central bank, and within three months, I was appointed emir," he recalled.

He further mentioned that after his removal as emir in 2020, he made a return to the throne in 2024, underscoring that challenges are part of life, but faith in God prevents one from succumbing to panic.

Reflecting on his time away from Kano following his dethronement, Sanusi relayed that it shielded him from potentially humiliating scenarios and provided him with an opportunity to pursue further academic endeavors.

"Had I remained in Kano during these four years, I could have faced embarrassing situations and undesirable interactions, but God was kind and merciful, allowing me a reprieve that led to my PhD," he stated.

Sanusi also underscored that losing a position should not equate to a loss of one’s purpose in life, urging individuals to adhere to their values.

"Being removed from positions isn’t the end; I reflect on whether I’ve sinned against God," he added.

"It’s preferable to depart and uphold one’s principles than to remain and incur God’s displeasure."

Sanusi's tenure as the CBN governor lasted from 2009 to 2014. He was dethroned as Emir of Kano by the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, in 2020, but returned to the emirate under the leadership of the current governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, in 2024.