The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerians to move beyond ethnic and religious considerations when choosing political leaders, insisting that competence, integrity and capacity should be the key factors guiding electoral decisions.
Sanusi made the call at the 2nd Liberty Media Group Symposium held at the Yar’Adua Centre, where he delivered remarks on the theme, “Re-imagining the North: Media, Productive Power and the Making of the Next Northern Nigeria.”
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria warned that religious identity alone cannot guarantee effective leadership or good governance, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on electing leaders with the skills, vision and commitment required to address the country’s challenges.
According to Sanusi, Nigerians must prioritise merit and ability rather than allowing sentiments of ethnicity or religion to determine political choices.
He argued that the complexity of Nigeria’s development challenges requires leaders who can provide practical solutions, build strong institutions and promote inclusive growth.
At the symposium, the Convener and Executive Chairman of Liberty Media Group, Dr. Tijjani Ramalan, called for stronger information sovereignty, warning that Nigeria’s digital and broadcasting future must not be left entirely dependent on external platforms.
Ramalan said investment, technology and global connectivity were important, but stressed that the country must also maintain control over its information ecosystem.
“A nation must retain the capacity to tell its own stories, distribute trusted information, sustain local content creation and derive economic value from its own information environment,” he said.
He identified issues including advertising equity, support for local content, platform accountability and value retention as critical national development concerns rather than merely media industry matters.
The Liberty Media Group chairman described communication as a strategic national asset, saying the protection of Nigeria’s information architecture was as important as safeguarding physical infrastructure.
“The future of independent broadcasting must not be left to chance. It must be intentionally designed, collectively protected, professionally managed, commercially sustainable and nationally valued,” Ramalan stated.
Participants at the symposium highlighted the importance of stronger institutions, responsible media engagement, economic empowerment and investment in information and communication systems as essential for Nigeria’s future development.
The event brought together policymakers, media professionals, academics, business leaders and development experts to discuss the role of media, productive power and information management in shaping the future of Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.
