Losing influence isn't a dead end; my trust in a higher power kept me going, says Sanusi

Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi II believes that his time away from Kano after being dethroned as emir was a blessing in disguise, shielding him from potential humiliation and affording him the chance to pursue further academic pursuits.

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At the Fola Adeola Annual Ramadan Lecture, Sanusi shared his thoughts on resilience during challenging times, drawing from his personal experiences as a case study, and emphasized that people often mistakenly attribute power and outcomes to individuals rather than acknowledging the role of divine will.

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Sanusi noted that people frequently misattribute the source of their fortunes, saying "Too often in our lives, we attribute things to human beings, but they are all created," and reminding his audience that circumstances are subject to change according to God's will.

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He cautioned against debasing oneself in pursuit of favor from those in power, observing that many individuals mistakenly believe their fortunes are entirely dependent on others, and warned that this mindset can lead to humiliation.

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Sanusi cited his own career as an example of the transient nature of fortune, recalling that after being suspended as Central Bank of Nigeria governor in 2014, he later became emir, only to be dethroned in 2020 and then reinstated in 2024 under Governor Abba Yusuf.

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Reflecting on his time away from the palace, Sanusi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue a PhD, saying "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, the people I would have had to deal with, the people I would have had to report to."

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Sanusi attributed his circumstances to divine intervention, saying "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."

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Sanusi emphasized that losing positions of power should not be seen as the end of one's life or purpose, and instead encouraged individuals to prioritize their principles and values.

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He shared his personal philosophy, saying "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?" and advised that it is better to leave a position than to compromise one's values.

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Sanusi's career has been marked by significant milestones, including his tenure as CBN governor from 2009 to 2014, his dethronement as emir in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and his reinstatement in 2024 by Governor Abba Yusuf.