The former Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has said the Nigerian nation is living on extra time due to the numerous challenges confronting it.

Sanusi said the nation would be facing deeper challenges after the 2023 general elections, warning presidential aspirants to be prepared for the onerous tasks ahead.

Sanusi, who is also a former 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 honest, we are living on extra time. In 2015, we were in a deep hole. In 2023, we will be in an even much deeper hole than in 2015.

“The challenges facing all those people who are struggling to be President, I hope they understand that the problems that they are going to face are multiples of the problems that were faced in 2015 and all of us have to be ready for difficult decisions and if they are taken, we are all going to pay for it.

“But the solution is not for all of us to jump into politics, this country needs good politicians, it needs Imams, Pastors and Bishops who are going to stand up and remind them (the politicians) of the fear of God. It needs technocrats who are going to critique their policies, it needs traditional rulers who are going to speak as the conscience of the people, everyone has a role to play and we should try to play that role to the best of our ability.”

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

He recalled serving in various capacities both in the past and the present, stressing that “I will forever be grateful to Allah.”