Nigeria is at a critical juncture, and it urgently requires a collective effort for recovery — this is the message from Aminu Tambuwal, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Senator for Sokoto South. Speaking during a leadership colloquium celebrating his 60th birthday, which gathered notable figures such as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, along with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent political leaders from various parties, Tambuwal expressed deep concern about the current state of the nation.
"Nigeria has veered off its intended path and is in dire need of rescue through authentic leadership, accountable governance, and a unified national vision," he stated. Reflecting on the country’s democratic evolution, he lamented that the present circumstances starkly contrast with the aspirations that accompanied the return to democratic governance. He argued that true recovery would only be possible if Nigerians openly acknowledge and tackle the existing governance failures.
"It is unfortunate where we find ourselves today; this is not what we envisioned. Those who contributed to building our democracy—some of whom are still alive, while many have passed away—must be disappointed with the current state of affairs in Nigeria," he remarked.
Tambuwal emphasized that any movement towards national renewal should rise above individual ambitions, ethnic loyalties, and partisan politics. He cautioned against political practices that could potentially weaken institutions and hinder democratic progress. "This is fundamentally about the citizens of our nation; it's about ensuring effective governance rather than personal gain or wealth accumulation. We must put an end to situations where individuals gain public office solely to position successors who are less capable than themselves."
He noted that Nigeria is facing perilous times and is in search of a way forward, emphasizing that this quest for salvation must be a shared responsibility. "As citizens, we have no alternative but to remain and work towards establishing the right leadership in Nigeria, so we can secure a better future for all of us," he added.
Moreover, Tambuwal expressed his commitment to taking greater personal risks in advocating for democracy and national rejuvenation. "At this stage of my life, I reaffirm my dedication to the principles I hold dear. I am committed to collaborating with every Nigerian who shares the vision of good governance and wishes to help transform our country for the better," he concluded.
In his address, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who moderated the event, discussed the reasons behind his and Jonathan’s opposition to Tambuwal’s election as Speaker back in 2011. He pointed out that their decision was influenced by party dynamics and a commitment to promoting gender inclusivity, as the People's Democratic Party had endorsed Mulikat Akande-Adeola for the role.
"We believed that if a woman was elected as Speaker for the first time, she should be supported to continue in that position," Obasanjo explained. During that pivotal election, Tambuwal, then still in his second term as a lawmaker and previously serving as Deputy Chief Whip, won against Akande-Adeola, securing 252 votes compared to her 90, despite lacking backing from the Jonathan administration and receiving support from the now-defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), led at the time by Bola Tinubu. This moment marked one of the few instances in Nigeria's Fourth Republic where the legislature openly challenged the executive's preferences.
Obasanjo acknowledged the final decision made by the lawmakers, stating, "Your members made a choice contrary to our expectations, and we respected that choice. I observed humility in you, which is essential; greatness without humility is empty, and your greatness is genuine."
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who participated virtually, recognized the tensions that arose between the executive branch and the House during Tambuwal’s tenure but praised his effective leadership. "During his time as Speaker, we did have some disagreements. However, it’s crucial to note that the members of the House had immense trust in him; he was able to maintain unity within the House," Jonathan commented.
David Mark, the former Senate President, reminisced about how Tambuwal and his deputy Emeka Ihedioha approached him prior to the 2011 elections, declaring, "They told me, whether you like it or not, you will adopt us as your sons. They were adamant that regardless of the President’s and party’s wishes, they would emerge as Speaker and Deputy Speaker. For once, Mr. President, I chose to go against your wishes," he quipped, eliciting laughter from the attendees.
Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice-President, referred to Tambuwal as an emerging leader and encouraged him to meet national expectations. Peter Obi complimented him as a unifying figure committed to consensus and justice. Additionally, Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor and ex-APC National Chairman, lauded Tambuwal’s adeptness at navigating a politically divided House.
In a surprising turn, Tambuwal’s 2011 competitor, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, dismissed any notion of lingering resentment between them. "What comes to pass is only what God wills. Tambuwal has served as Speaker and a leader; we harbor no ill feelings toward each other," she stated. Meanwhile, former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi warned of the global threats to democracy, referencing recent coups and democratic collapses across Africa, and urged Nigeria to safeguard its legislative independence.
The event attracted a diverse array of political and civic leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, alongside former Speakers Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Minister of Housing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, as well as several former governors and deputy speakers.
