Former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has publicly addressed his recent questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), insisting that neither the agency nor any political force can intimidate him.
Speaking in Sokoto after his release, Tambuwal described his interaction with the anti-graft agency as a “brief visit,” saying he voluntarily appeared before the EFCC on August 6 for questioning.
Following the initial interrogation, he was allowed to leave but was required to return on August 10 and 11 for further questioning.
After several hours of interrogation during his second visit, Tambuwal requested to go home.
However, EFCC officials demanded that he produce two sureties specifically directors in the Federal Civil Service with letters of introduction from their employers before his release could be granted.
Tambuwal stood firm, telling the officials,
“Tell the EFCC chairman that I am a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, a two-term Governor of Sokoto State, a serving Senator and a Commander of the Order of the Niger. I should be released on self-recognition.”
Despite appeals from his legal team, which included three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the EFCC refused to alter the bail conditions, leading to Tambuwal’s overnight detention.
He was finally released the following morning after fulfilling the bail requirements.
The Senator questioned the timing of the EFCC’s actions, suggesting a political motive behind the probe.
He referred to a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” set up by the current Sokoto State administration to investigate his tenure, which he believes was politically driven.
“Why now?” Tambuwal asked, hinting at efforts to discredit him and silence critics of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
He contrasted two political sides in Nigeria today:
“There are those with Bola Tinubu and his government and those who stand with the people of Nigeria. We have chosen to stand with the people.”
Tambuwal also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), referencing the popular saying: “Once you join the APC, whatever your sins, they are forgiven.”
He rejected any notion of switching political allegiance and reaffirmed his commitment to the coalition for national rescue.
“I cannot be intimidated. I cannot be blackmailed. No one can tarnish my record,” Tambuwal declared.
