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  • Opposition leaders, others celebrate Tambuwal at 60

    Opposition leaders, others celebrate Tambuwal at 60

    Prominent political leaders across party lines on Saturday converged on Abuja to celebrate former Sokoto Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on his 60th birthday, paying glowing tributes to his leadership style, humility, and commitment to democratic ideals.

    The leaders spoke in Abuja at the birthday colloquium organised to commemorate Tambuwal’s birthday, which featured a keynote lecture by the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega titled ‘The future of democratic governance in Nigeria pathways to national cohesion human security and economic renewal’

    The event attracted a large gathering of opposition figures from across the political spectrum, including Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Matthew Hassan Kukah, Sen. Tunde Ogbeha, former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Sen. Sani Zango Daura, Lawal Batagarawa, Sen. Jibrilla Bindow, former Kwara Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Solomon Dalung, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi

    Others included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal; former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara; former Edo Governor Oserheimen Osunbor; former Speaker Patricia Etteh; former Deputy Speaker Babangida Nguroje; Professor Pat Utomi, former Gombe Governor Alhassan Dangwanbo, Sen Enyinnaya Abaribe and former Deputy Speaker Austin Opara

    Tambuwal warned that Nigeria stands at a critical point in its history and requires honest leadership, responsible governance and national unity to avert a deeper crisis.

    Tambuwal said the country had drifted dangerously away from the vision of its founding leaders and must urgently confront its governance failures to recover.

    According to him, Nigeria’s present condition is far removed from the hopes that accompanied the return to democratic rule, noting that the situation should trouble not only citizens alive today but also those who laboured to build the nation.

    He said the country had reached a point where denial was no longer an option and that meaningful progress could only begin with a sincere admission of what had gone wrong.

    Tambuwal argued that rescuing Nigeria must rise above personal ambition, ethnic considerations and party interests, warning that political practices that weaken institutions and undermine democratic growth were part of the problem.

    He said leadership should be about service to the people rather than personal gain, stressing that public office must not be treated as a pathway for self-enrichment or the imposition of unfit successors.

    The former Speaker maintained that national renewal could not be left to political parties alone, adding that citizens must actively participate in demanding good governance and accountable leadership.

    He said Nigerians had no alternative country to retreat to and must therefore commit to doing the right thing to ensure the emergence of leaders who are prepared to govern responsibly.

    Tambuwal also declared his readiness to take greater personal risks in defence of democracy and national renewal, saying he was recommitting himself to working with Nigerians who share a belief in good governance and the need to turn the country around.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the event, explained why he and former President Goodluck Jonathan opposed Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011.

    Obasanjo said the opposition was based on party considerations and the desire to sustain gender inclusion in legislative leadership following the ruling party’s support for Mulikat Akande Adeola.

    He said the thinking at the time was that since a woman had emerged as Speaker for the first time, she should be encouraged to continue in that role.

    Tambuwal, then a second-term lawmaker from the North West, went on to defeat Akande Adeola from the South West, polling 252 votes against her 90 in the speakership contest.

    Despite lacking the backing of the Jonathan administration, Tambuwal received support from opposition lawmakers, marking one of the rare moments in the Fourth Republic when the legislature openly asserted its independence against executive preference.

    Obasanjo said the lawmakers exercised their constitutional rights and he and Jonathan ultimately respected the outcome, adding that one quality he noticed early in Tambuwal was humility, which he described as essential to genuine leadership.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who joined the event virtually, acknowledged that there were disagreements between the executive and the House during Tambuwal’s tenure but credited him with holding the chamber together.

    Jonathan said Tambuwal enjoyed strong confidence from members of the House and demonstrated leadership strength despite political differences.

    Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark described Tambuwal as a dependable and disciplined leader whose political journey has earned him national respect beyond partisan boundaries

    Mark, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the event, said Tambuwal’s career reflected loyalty to democratic principles and selfless service to the nation

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    He recounted how Tambuwal and his deputy approached him ahead of the 2011 election, expressing confidence that they would emerge Speaker and Deputy Speaker regardless of party pressure.

    Mark said he deliberately ignored pressure from party leaders on the eve of the election, noting that on that occasion he chose to defy expectations.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described Tambuwal as a leader with national potential and urged him to live up to the expectations placed on him.

    Former Anambra Governor Peter Obi said attaining 60 offered an opportunity for reflection urging moderation and wisdom at that stage of life

    Praising Tambuwal as a bridge builder committed to consensus, justice and national unity, he said, “I celebrate you and wish you well as you journey ahead. The sky is your limit.

    Former Edo State governor and former APC National Chairman, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole commended Tambuwal’s ability to manage a politically divided House and recalled his personal compassion during a period of bereavement.

    On her part, Tambuwal’s former rival in the speakership race, Mulikat Akande Adeola, dismissed any suggestion of lingering resentment, saying leadership outcomes were ultimately determined by destiny and that there was no animosity between them.

     Fayemi warned that democracy was under threat globally, citing coups and democratic breakdowns across Africa, and urged Nigeria to continue to protect legislative independence.

  • Tinubu felicitates Tambuwal at 60

    Tinubu felicitates Tambuwal at 60

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South) on his 60th birthday, commending his long years of service to Sokoto State and the nation.

    In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Tambuwal as a prominent politician and lawyer whose public career has been marked by significant national responsibilities.

    Tinubu recalled Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, noting that his leadership at the National Assembly coincided with a critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

    The President also acknowledged Tambuwal’s eight years as Governor of Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023, during which he served two consecutive terms, contributing to governance and political development in the state.

    Tinubu highlighted Tambuwal’s dedication to nation-building and his sustained efforts toward the advancement of democracy in Nigeria, irrespective of party affiliation.

    The President wished the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator many more years in good health and expressed hope for an even brighter political future as he marks the milestone birthday.

  • Tambuwal calls for calm in Sokoto communities over reported US–Nigeria airstrikes

    Tambuwal calls for calm in Sokoto communities over reported US–Nigeria airstrikes

    Former Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has appealed for peace and calm among communities affected by the recent airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States in collaboration with Nigerian authorities in parts of the state.

    The appeal followed reports of panic in Jabo town, Tambuwal Local Government Area, where residents were said to have been thrown into confusion on Thursday night after the military operation.

    The airstrikes were reportedly part of a broader counterterrorism campaign announced by former United States President, Donald Trump, aimed at neutralising terrorist groups responsible for insecurity in Nigeria.

    Tambuwal welcomed the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism in the North, describing it as a necessary step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.

    In a statement, the former governor said he had taken note of reports concerning the airstrike conducted under the ongoing counterterrorism collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States.

    He urged residents of affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding while relevant authorities work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation.

    Tambuwal assured the people of Sokoto South that he was actively engaging with security agencies to obtain full details of the incident and to ensure that all necessary safeguards were observed.

    He stressed that counterterrorism operations are targeted at criminal and terrorist elements threatening public safety, not innocent civilians who are themselves victims of insecurity, adding that the protection of civilian lives remains central to all legitimate security actions.

    The former governor also commended the courage and professionalism of Nigerian military and security personnel, noting that they continue to work tirelessly, often in collaboration with international partners, under difficult conditions to combat terrorism and banditry.

    According to him, their sacrifices and commitment to restoring peace deserve the full support and cooperation of the public.

    Tambuwal further called on community leaders, traditional institutions and residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible information and resisting misinformation capable of heightening fear or tension.

    He urged unity, vigilance and support for lawful security efforts, expressing confidence that collective resolve would help defeat terrorism and secure lasting peace in Sokoto State and across Nigeria.

  • Tambuwal seek US support for Nigeria’s security fight

    Tambuwal seek US support for Nigeria’s security fight

    Former Sokoto State governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called on United States President Donald Trump to reconsider his position on Nigeria’s security challenges and support the country’s efforts to end insecurity.

    Tambuwal described it as unfortunate that the American president appeared to rely on what he termed untrue narratives without a full understanding of Nigeria’s security situation.

    Speaking in Sokoto at the weekend, the former governor said insecurity in Nigeria has neither religious nor political colouration, stressing that the violence is being perpetrated by common criminals who target innocent citizens indiscriminately.

    According to him, the marauders do not represent any religion, tribe or ethnic group, urging the United States and other nations to support Nigeria in tackling the menace, which he said largely affects Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states in the North-West.

    Tambuwal said the US should look beyond stereotypes and understand the realities facing Nigeria and its people, adding that the country is seeking support from the global community to overcome its security challenges.

    He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requires the support of all Nigerians, insisting that insecurity is a collective problem that demands collective action.

    Recalling past efforts, Tambuwal said the Senate had supported the purchase of sophisticated air assets, including Tucano fighter jets, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, but alleged that the US refused to provide Nigeria with the full complement needed to effectively combat insecurity.

    He stressed that all hands must be on deck to strengthen anti-terrorism resilience and harmonise efforts among stakeholders to restore peace, unity and prosperity to the country.

    Tambuwal said he would not view insecurity through the lens of politics, religion or ethnicity, calling for a united national response.

    He also urged journalists to be patriotic and objective when reporting sensitive national issues such as insecurity, saying responsible and informed reporting would help the country’s efforts to address the problem.

  • Tambuwal: Will 2027 beend of his political career?

    Tambuwal: Will 2027 beend of his political career?

    • By Emmanuel Ado

    Senator Aminu Tambuwal, once hailed as a rising star in Nigerian politics, may be approaching the end of his political career, judging by the renewed determination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Sokoto State Chapter to permanently retire him in the 2027 general elections. At the forefront of this mission are Isa Sadiq Achida, the APC State Chairman, and other key stakeholders who have convinced Senator Aliyu Wamakko and Governor Ahmed Aliyu to allow them lead the campaign to politically retire Tambuwal, whom they accuse of “biting the hand that fed him”, a pointed reference to his betrayal of Senator Wamakko, his erstwhile political godfather who played a decisive role in his emergence as governor in 2015.

     Speaking recently, Isa Achida didn’t mince words about the party’s position: “The APC is determined to retire Aminu Tambuwal politically. We have allowed him a free pass for too long. His time of using Sokoto State as a stepping stone for his selfish national ambitions is over.”

     He has equally been unequivocal that Senator Wamakko can’t be equated to Aminu Tambuwal, whom he made governor.

     If the young Turks succeed in their quest, Aminu Tambuwal who has had a remarkable political career  from Speaker of the House of Representatives to two-term Governor of Sokoto State, and a key figure in the coalition against the APC would suffer his first political defeat. Tambuwal, is notorious for boasting that he has never suffered defeat in any election. But his marginal victory in the 2019 general elections and in the 2023 senatorial elections indicates a waning influence and confirms that indeed Tambuwal might have finally reached the twilight of his once-promising political career.

     After their falling out, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), openly mocked Tambuwal over his narrow re-election victory as an incumbent governor in 2019, calling it a political embarrassment and clear evidence of his unpopularity.

     There is no doubt that Aminu Tambuwal has stepped on powerful forces, and the determination to ensure his defeat is no longer a matter under consideration, but one on which a conclusion has already been reached. It’s only a question of time.

     Aminu Tambuwal’s political decline is not occurring in a vacuum; rather, it is the culmination of years of strained relationships, political miscalculations and betrayals that have come back to haunt him. His political fallout with Senator Wamakko, once his political benefactor, has proven to be particularly damaging. Once allies under the same political banner, their relationship soured over time especially after Tambuwal’s defection, which many supporters see as an act of disloyalty, and most especially Tambuwal’s failure to lead Sokoto State to prosperity. Wamakko remains pained that Aminu Tambuwal failed to provide leadership in his eight years.

     A critical examination of Aminu Tambuwal’s record as governor and Speaker reveals a poor result in all sectors. His legacy at the state level was a disaster. Tambuwal squandered opportunities and failed to consolidate the developmental foundation laid by his predecessor, Senator Wamakko. Several key infrastructure projects, including road networks, housing estates, and water supply schemes, were all abandoned. The lack of continuity stalled the state’s progress.

     Moreover, Tambuwal’s frequent absence from the state while pursuing national ambitions created a leadership vacuum. He was more focused on Abuja than on Sokoto State. The people of Sokoto State joked that only the COVID-19 lockdowns kept him grounded in the state, a jab at his constant travels. While political ambition is not inherently negative, the problem was that he prioritized his personal advancement over public service and this severely damaged his standing among the people of Sokoto State.

     In contrast, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has been praised for taking steps to address the backlog of challenges Aminu Tambuwal left behind without complaining. He has completed several of the projects abandoned under Tambuwal and has begun paying off the ₦14 billion gratuity debt owed to retirees, an issue that created untold hardship for many families. These actions have helped rebuild trust and re-energize governance in the state.

    Aminu Tambuwal’s democratic credentials have also been questioned. Despite projecting the image of a democrat, he failed to conduct a formal handover to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, his successor a symbolic yet important act of political maturity and institutional respect. Many see this as evidence of arrogance or his disdain for democracy. How can a democrat refuse to hand over to his successor who won fair and square?

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    But more troubling for Aminu Tambuwal and his political career are the allegations of financial mismanagement that continue to shadow his administration. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arrested him over an alleged ₦189 billion fraud following investigations into the finances of the state during his tenure. The EFCC accused him of alleged cash withdrawals, which constitute a flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. He has since been released on bail.

     As expected, Tambuwal and his allies have dismissed these inquiries as politically motivated, but the seriousness of the allegations has sparked public interest.

     Like they say, when it rains, it pours. The Sokoto State Government is expected to soon release the report of the Justice Muazu Abdulkadir Judicial Commission of Inquiry that investigated Aminu Tambuwal’s administration. The commission which was tasked with probing Tambuwal’s alleged financial irregularities, abandoned contracts, and misuse of public funds, has completed its public sittings and is expected to submit its report soon. When this happens Aminu Tambuwal will certainly be busy fighting for his life. For many in Sokoto State the inquiry represents a long-awaited effort to hold him accountable.

     Many people believe that the state resources might have been diverted to fund Tambuwal’s presidential campaign. While concrete evidence has not been publicly disclosed, the pattern of financial strain during his tenure, combined with the scale of his presidential campaign activities, has fueled public suspicion. As the findings from the judicial inquiry and EFCC investigations unfold, clarity on these matters is expected. Will it add to the legal complications of his already embattled political profile?

     Beyond these personal setbacks, Tambuwal also faces an uphill task electorally. The APC in Sokoto State is currently in a much stronger position than the battered PDP. With the combined strength of Senator Wamakko’s grassroots network and Governor Aliyu’s growing popularity due to his sterling performance, the APC is well-positioned to dominate the 2027 elections. In contrast, the fractured PDP is expected to suffer severe electoral losses. To worsen matters, several former loyalists of Tambuwal have defected, and the party is struggling to offer a compelling alternative to the APC’s governance narrative. Tambuwal has nobody to blame because he squandered his chance.

     Though Tambuwal is no stranger to political survival, his staunchest backers admit that this time is different, because his political capital has been fully depleted. Only time will tell whether the “master strategist” will be able  to navigate and survive the plot against him.

     In the end, Tambuwal’s legacy is not likely to be deeply contested because of his failure in governance. Between 1999 and 2023, he managed to position himself as a central figure in Nigerian politics but failed to deliver. And with the mounting opposition, legal inquiries, and dwindling influence, the road ahead appears increasingly uncertain, especially with the APC determination to clip his wings. Clearly the former governor may finally have reached his political end.

     Postscript: Will the real Aminu Tambuwal stand up for recognition?

  • I will respond to Tambuwal’s comments soon – Wike

    I will respond to Tambuwal’s comments soon – Wike

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister,  Nyesom Wike, will in due course, give appropriate response to all that former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal said last Friday. 

    The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said Wike won’t let Tambuwal’s latest diatribe against him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu go without response..

    Tambuwal had said on Channels Television’s Politics Today last Friday his political choices had always been guided by principles of leadership and not by personal relationships. 

    He added he would support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Wike, if he had to make a choice on who should lead the country.

    Responding, the FCT Minister’s Spokesperson said: “I have been inundated with calls, especially from journalists, seeking the Minister’s reaction.  

    “Apart from what he said against the Minister, Tambuwal also cast aspersions on President Tinubu and such will not go unresponded to. 

    “Therefore, what I can say is that the Minister will respond accordingly.  He will definitely tell Nigerians what a betrayal is and what it means to have integrity. 

    “Till then, let’s keep our fingers crossed.”

  • Present your 22-year scorecard, Obono-Obla tackles Tambuwal 

    Present your 22-year scorecard, Obono-Obla tackles Tambuwal 

    A former Presidential Aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, has challenged former Sokoto Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, to give account of his achievements after spending 22 years in power in various capacities.

    Obono-Obla was reacting to Tambuwal’s recent interview where he attacked the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the personality of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike.

    He particularly asked Tambuwal to mention the tangible efforts he had made to tackle the myriad of problems facing the country.

    Obono-Obla told Tambuwal to show to Nigerians why he deserved to stay in power for such a prolonged period.

    Read Also: Tinubu sincere, requires our support, says Obono-Obla 

    Addressing Tambuwal, the Cross River born-lawyer said: “You served as Speaker of the House of Representatives for four years.  You were a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2015.  You governed Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023.  You are currently a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  

    “Cumulatively, you have been in government for 22 years—amounting to over two decades. Kindly present your scorecard.  

    “What have you done to justify this prolonged stay in the corridors of power?  

    What tangible efforts have you made to address the myriad challenges confronting this country?  

    “Is your presence in government merely to enjoy the perks of office, the glamour, and the razzmatazz of power?”.

  • Sokoto: A note on Tambuwal’s wild effusions

    Sokoto: A note on Tambuwal’s wild effusions

    • By Musa Kabiru

    When I read the comments attributed to the former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during a recent African Democratic Congress (ADC) rally in Sokoto, I couldn’t but laugh. That statement perfectly describes the wild thrashings of a drowning man. I mean, unless Tambuwal truly believes that the brains of everyone in Sokoto have been wiped clean by some memory-eating virus, he can’t seriously expect us to believe that he, the same man that spent eight years reversing the progress of previous administrations and leaving failure in his wake, has suddenly found the magic formula to “undo APC misgovernance.”

    This is the same Tambuwal who exited power just two years ago, leaving behind a record that still haunts the people of Sokoto. The scars are fresh. Eight years of water scarcity. Eight years of broken promises. Eight years in which basic governance was sacrificed on the altar of political gamesmanship. If for nothing else, the water crisis alone should be enough reason for him to bury his head in shame rather than parade himself as a saviour-in-waiting.

    Workers in Sokoto remember Tambuwal very well; they remember him as the worst governor in the state’s history when it comes to staff welfare. By the time he left office, months of salaries were unpaid. Pensioners, men and women who had served the state faithfully, were abandoned. Gratuities went unsettled. Public servants endured hardship after hardship under his watch.

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    So, one must ask: Is Tambuwal now returning to undo the progress that Governor Ahmad Aliyu has made in less than two years? Progress like ending the water scarcity, improving staff welfare, clearing years of unpaid pensions and gratuities, upgrading infrastructure, revamping education and healthcare, and rehabilitating roads, many of which he has been seen posing on for photographs? Exactly what “misgovernance” does he want to come and correct?

    Tambuwal has tried to recast himself as a victim, referencing his recent encounter with the EFCC and the Sokoto State Commission of Inquiry set up to probe his time in office. He dismisses these investigations as a political witch-hunt. But here’s the question: if you insist you are not a witch, why fear the hunt? Witches are hunted for the good of the community. If your hands are clean, why resist scrutiny?

    The truth is that Tambuwal is a victim only of his own actions and inactions. No amount of pity-seeking or emotional rhetoric can rewrite the facts. The people of Sokoto were the real victims. Eight years of hardship, neglect, and empty promises. So, the least he could do, even if just in appreciation of the fact that the people voted him twice, is spare them further trauma by refraining from throwing around hollow political slogans or using his minions to heat up the polity.

    In his ADC rally speech, Tambuwal alluded to two paradigms in Nigeria: those aligned with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and those with Nigerians. Well, in Sokoto, the paradigms are far simpler: those committed to the progress under the Aliyu administration and those who drove the state into the ground but are now trying to recast history. Everything else is political mischief, dressed up as concern for the people.

    Ironically, Tambuwal himself has admitted that both his administration’s record and the current government’s achievements are in the public domain. Since he invited comparison, let me oblige him. Where Sokoto residents once bought a jerry-can of water at premium prices, taps now run freely. Where his much-publicised N3 billion dualisation of the Sokoto Gate–Shuni Road project remained audio despite an outrageous N514 million-per-kilometre cost claim, Aliyu has built and completed visible, functional roads. Again, let’s not forget that Tambuwal has been caught posing on them for photos. Should we even start on housing? The evidence speaks for itself.

    Perhaps the one thing Tambuwal underestimated when he decided to mount this ADC platform was the power of memory. No one forgets a water crisis. People may overlook political rhetoric, but they will never forget the years of queuing for water, of paying exorbitant prices for a basic necessity. Certainly not in this age where the internet archives everything, making it is impossible to bury the reality of those eight years.

    And this is not a matter of partisan bias. Even before Governor Aliyu had a track record to show, Sokoto voters had already rejected Tambuwal and his allies. That was before they experienced the difference a responsive administration can make. And now that the progress is visible, one wonders how Tambuwal’s ADC hopes to convince the people of Sokoto to take back their troublesome, barren wife.

    Ultimately, Tambuwal’s recent outburst is less about governance and more about political survival. Having switched parties and platforms multiple times over the years, there appears to be a need for him to constantly project himself as politically relevant to remain in the game. The ADC rally provided him that stage, but speeches, no matter how fiery and laden with half-truths, cannot erase his eight-year record.

    Talk is cheap, yes. The constitution grants him the right to speak. But rights come with responsibility, and in politics, credibility is currency. Tambuwal has squandered his. Sokoto has moved on. Aliyu’s administration is tackling the very issues Tambuwal left unresolved—water, infrastructure, salaries, pensions, and more. That is the progress the people can see, touch, and measure.

    Tambuwal can try to rebrand himself like all of the failed politicians in ADC are doing, but the people of Sokoto remember. They remember the unpaid salaries. They remember the pensioners abandoned to their fate. They remember the water crisis. And they will not trade progress for the same political mischief that left them in ruins and they certainly won’t kowtow to the wild effusions of a drowning politician.

    •Kabiru writes from Abuja

  • EFCC detains Tambuwal over ‘suspicious’ withdrawal of N189b

    EFCC detains Tambuwal over ‘suspicious’ withdrawal of N189b

    • Operatives begin interrogation of ex-governor •It’s witch-hunt, says ADC

    ‘Suspicious’ withdrawal of N189 billion from the Sokoto State Government account during his tenure has landed Senator Waziri Aminu Tambuwal in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) net.

    The withdrawal was carried out incrementally for six years out of his eight-year tenure, according to EFCC sources.

    The senator honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency at about 11:30am in Abuja yesterday.

    It was learnt that the interrogation commenced immediately, and he was slated to spend the night in custody.

    The withdrawals were from three accounts: the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the Government House Account and the Secretary to the State Government Account.

    About five other suspects – cashiers and government officials, who have been identified by the agency – may testify against the ex-governor or stand trial with him.

    But the African Democratic Congress (ADC) kicked against the move, saying EFCC should focus on corruption instead of “harassing” opposition figures.

    The ex-governor, who contested on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2023 before controversially stepping down for the eventual candidate Atiku Abubakar, recently defected to the ADC.

    A source in the EFCC said the withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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    “We have isolated all the allegations for Tambuwal. It is left to him to respond.”

    The source said the accounts received a total cumulative inflow of N567,160,024,619.93, out of which N189,155,043,825.09 was illegally diverted.

    An EFCC fact sheet states:  “The EFCC carried out financial profiling of the Sokoto State Government.

    “This profiling was aimed at identifying the state government’s accounts that may have been exposed to diversion, misappropriation of public funds and money laundering by government officials.

    “Analysis of the state government’s activities from 1st of January, 2015 to August 31st, 2021 uncovered unusual transactions in the following accounts: Accountant General Sokoto FAAC, Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretary, Government House.

    “Specifically, the above accounts received a total cumulative inflow of N567,160,024,619.93, out of which N189,155,043,825.09 was withdrawn in favour of government officials, individuals (suspected to be cashiers), companies and other groups/agencies.

    “In light of the findings, it is assessed with a high degree of confidence that the named individuals (suspected to be cashiers) and identified government officials are involved in the diversion of public funds, misappropriation of state government funds and money laundering activities.

    “The following are suggested: Investigation should commence on other state government accounts to identify other accounts that are prone to unwholesome acts of state officials.

    “Investigate the named individuals and identified government officials to know the extent of their involvement.

    “Investigate FAAC account payouts to private companies; Nagarta Microfinance Bank and Bilya Micro System,” the document said.

    The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined comment.

    ADC to EFCC: don’t intimidate opposition

    ADC frowned at the interrogation, saying that EFCC indulged in selective investigations.

    It said the Commission is behaving like a political hit squad for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It warned that the dangerous trend could erode public trust in the institution and undermine the anti-corruption fight.

    ADC Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said in a statement that the EFCC’s recent pattern of re-opening closed cases, digging up files from years past, and targeting members of opposition parties suggests that it is not an anti-graft body, but a political enforcer.

    The statement reads: “In recent days, several senior members of the opposition coalition have received EFCC summons that are clearly politically motivated.

    “These are not fresh cases arising from new evidence but new files opened in reaction to emergent political affiliations to intimidate key opposition figures.

    “The EFCC was created to be a fearless defender of the Nigerian people’s trust, applying the law evenly to all, friend or foe, ruling party or opposition.

    “Today, that vision appears to have been compromised.

    “The Commission now operates like a department of the APC, deployed to fight government critics and opposition figures, thereby achieving what the government cannot achieve through public debate.

    “We have observed how investigations into ruling party allies quietly fade away while opposition figures are dragged before the court of public opinion with sometimes decade-old allegations that have been hastily revived and dressed up as fresh evidence.

    “This is selective prosecution, and selective prosecution is the death of justice.

    “It does appear that in today’s Nigeria, one’s guilt or innocence depends on one’s party membership, not evidence.

    “For example, since a certain former governor defected to the APC with his state’s entire political machinery, the EFCC’s investigations into his administration have vanished from public view.

    “Not a question has been asked. Not a document leaked. Not a single update.

    “Yet the same EFCC still somehow finds means to reopen old cases against opposition leaders and pursue the stale allegations against them.”

    “It does not augur well for the EFCC if people think that all you need to point the accusing hands of the Commission in your direction is to stand opposed to the ruling party, and all that it takes for protection is to align with the government.

    “Unfortunately, this is the widely established perception in Nigeria today, which the commission by its recent actions, including the ongoing surreptitious harassment of opposition leaders, has given credence to.

    “The ADC hereby calls on all Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the independent media to resist this dangerous slide into dictatorship and misuse of public institutions to achieve partisan objectives.

    “The EFCC does not belong to the APC. It belongs to the Nigerian people.

    “It is funded by taxpayers, not the ruling party.”

  • EFCC holds ex-Governor Tambuwal over suspicious N189b cash withdrawals

    EFCC holds ex-Governor Tambuwal over suspicious N189b cash withdrawals

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) on Monday grilled a former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal over suspicious cash withdrawals of N189billion.

    Tambuwal, who was in the custody of the anti-graft agency in Abuja, was expected to account for the questionable cash haul during his tenure.

    The Ex-Governor, who arrived the EFCC’s Headquarters around 11:30am, was still facing interrogators on the alleged financial crime at press time.

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    It was unclear if the Ex-Governor will be detained overnight or not.

    A source in EFCC said: “He is being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of N189billion.

    “The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering( Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    “We have isolated all the allegations for Tambuwal, it is left to him to respond. “

    EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined comments on the matter.