Emir Sanusi II: Faith in God Kept Me Calm Through Loss of Power 

By Tgnews Reporter

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the reinstated Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has shared profound insights on resilience, attributing his composure during major setbacks to unwavering faith in divine will rather than human power.

Speaking at the Fola Adeola Annual Ramadan Lecture during the ongoing holy month, Emir Sanusi reflected on his turbulent journey: his suspension as CBN governor in 2014, his ascension to the emirship shortly after, his controversial dethronement in 2020 under the previous Kano administration, and his reinstatement in 2024 by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The emir emphasized that true power and life circumstances are ultimately in God’s hands, cautioning against over-relying on or humbling oneself before mortal authorities.

“Too often in our lives, we attribute things to human beings, but they are all created,” Sanusi stated. “Remembering that situations are not permanent, that Allah changes your circumstances, helps you cope and conduct yourself.”

He recounted avoiding potential humiliation by being away from Kano during the four years following his 2020 removal, a period that allowed him to pursue a PhD and academic endeavors instead of facing subservience or difficult interactions.

“I was suspended from being governor of the central bank. Three months later, I became an emir,” he said.

“Several years ago I was removed as emir; four years later, I came back. I’m now in the same palace, I’m on my throne. Yes, there are challenges but at the end of the day you hold on to God. You don’t panic.”

Sanusi highlighted divine mercy in his exile from the palace, noting it spared him from scenarios that could have compromised his dignity or principles.

“I think of all the things that could have happened if I was in Kano in the last four years, the humiliation I could have faced… but God was so merciful, so kind. He took me away from that. He gave me a chance, I went and did a PhD and I’m back.”

The lecture underscored a key message: losing high positions is not the end of purpose or worth. He urged maintaining integrity over clinging to power at the cost of offending God.

“If I’m taken away from positions, it’s not a big deal. At the end of the day, I ask myself, have I done anything to offend God?” Sanusi said. “It’s better for you to leave there and keep to your principles than to stay there and earn the wrath of Allah.”

The remarks, delivered amid Ramadan’s focus on reflection and spiritual strength, resonated widely, drawing from his personal story of dramatic reversals—from apex banking authority to traditional rulership, exile, and restoration.

Emir Sanusi served as CBN governor from 2009 to 2014 and was dethroned as Emir in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje before Governor Yusuf’s administration repealed the multi-emirate law and reinstated him in 2024, fulfilling a campaign promise.

His message of faith-driven resilience continues to inspire discussions on leadership, humility, and endurance in Nigeria’s public sphere.