Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s current trajectory, warning that the country is facing a grave crisis that requires collective action to overcome.
Tambuwal made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at a colloquium organised to mark his 60th birthday.
He said Nigeria’s present state reflects a troubling departure from the ideals, vision and sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers, stressing that sincere leadership, responsible governance and national unity are essential for recovery.
According to him, meaningful progress can only be achieved when Nigerians collectively acknowledge that the country’s governance structure and political practices are fundamentally flawed.
“We must first agree that something is seriously wrong with how Nigeria is being governed today,” Tambuwal said.
“Only then can we begin the difficult task of working together to rescue the country. Nigeria is in peril, and salvation can only come through a collective effort.”
The event drew a broad spectrum of political leaders and public figures from across the country.
Among those in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, and the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Also present were former Speakers of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara; Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe; Minister of Housing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; and former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Masari, Udom Emmanuel, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel.
Others included former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola.
Speaking virtually, former President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged that his administration had disagreements with the House of Representatives during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker but praised his leadership capacity.
“When he was Speaker and I was President, we had our differences,” Jonathan said.
“But one thing is clear: the members of the House trusted him, and he was able to keep the institution united.”
Former Senate President David Mark also commended Tambuwal’s leadership qualities and wished him success in his future political endeavours.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who reportedly cut short a vacation abroad to attend the event, described Tambuwal as a promising national figure and urged him to continue to live up to the expectations placed on him.
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole equally praised Tambuwal’s ability to manage a politically divided House of Representatives and recalled his personal support following the death of his wife.
