The former Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has stated the Nigerian country is living on extra time due to the many difficulties challenging it. Sanusi stated the nation would be dealing with much deeper challenges after the 2023 basic elections, warning presidential aspirants to be prepared for the burdensome jobs ahead.

Sanusi, who is also a previous Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State when he was a guest at the 80th birthday of the Babanla Adinni of Egbaland, Chief Tayo Sowunmi.

He said, “To be sincere, we are residing on additional time. In 2015, we were in a deep hole. In 2023, we will remain in an even much deeper hole than in 2015.

“The challenges dealing with all those people who are having a hard time to be President, I hope they understand that the issues that they are going to deal with are multiples of the problems that were dealt with in 2015 and all people need to be all set for tough choices and if they are taken, we are all going to pay for it.

“But the option is not for everybody to jump into politics, this nation needs great politicians, it requires Imams, Pastors and Bishops who are going to stand and remind them (the political leaders) of the fear of God. It needs technocrats who are going to critique their policies, it requires standard rulers who are going to speak as the conscience of the people, everyone has a role to play and we should attempt to play that role to the very best of our capability.”

Sanusi also rejected eyeing the presidency in 2023, saying “I am pleased being the spiritual leader of Tijaniyyah.”

He remembered serving in various capacities both in the past and today, stressing that “I will permanently be grateful to Allah.”