Politics
THE 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) to spearhead a campaign for ethical rejuvenation and reawakening in the country.
The emir made the call during the institute’s 60th anniversary celebration and the inauguration of its Kano State chapter.
Sanusi urged ICSAN to ensure its members become the “ringleaders and foot soldiers” of a renewed drive for ethical standards across sectors.
According to the monarch, Nigeria’s decline stems from its failure to prioritise values, noting that no institution can endure without an ethical foundation.
“Take our civil service when we were growing up. There was a reason chief executives were called permanent secretaries. They held the ministries together.
“They ensured civil service rules were applied. They held politicians to account. They would refuse to carry out instructions that violated legal and regulatory guidelines.
“Then some people decided the permanent secretaries should not be chief executives. They should be called directors-general. They should be politicised. That was the beginning of the deterioration of our civil service,” the emir said.
He added: “The civil service is the backbone of government. It is where institutional memory resides. It is the custodian of ethics and values. Politicians come and go, but civil servants are the glue that holds policy together across electoral cycles and generations.
“Therefore, this institute has a role. I do hope that beyond the private sector, you will engage your members in the public service.
“I hope that wherever your members are — be it in banks, companies, or ministries — they will be a source of inspiration for everyone.
“They will be the ringleaders and foot soldiers for a return to ethical standards.
“I hope this institute will take the lead in this campaign for ethical rejuvenation and ethical reawakening across the entire country,” the monarch said.
In his keynote address, Guest Lecturer, Prof. Abdulmumini Bala-Ahmed emphasised that ICSAN occupies a unique and strategic position in the architecture of good governance.
Ahmad described administrators as “the conscience of the boardroom” because of the critical role they play in promoting ethical conduct and ensuring adherence to governance principles.
He said that as Nigeria navigates increasingly complex governance challenges, ICSAN’s role becomes even more important.
He stressed the need for the institute to continue promoting governance literacy, strengthening professional ethics, encouraging transparency and accountability, and supporting governance reforms.
Earlier in her address, ICSAN President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Uto Ukpanah, said the institute remains committed to positioning Nigeria as a leader in governance excellence across Africa and globally.
She charged members to continue championing integrity, transparency, professionalism, accountability, and excellence.
She added that the institute would continue to equip current and future generations of governance professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values required to succeed in an increasingly complex environment.
Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the institute’s maiden Kano State chapter, with Mohammed Nasambo emerging as Chairman. (NAN)
A.I
June 12, 2026
Tags: ICSAN Mohammed Nasambo Muhammadu Sanusi II