Nigeria In Peril, Needs Collective Action for Recovery — Tambuwal

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has warned that Nigeria is facing a grave crisis and requires a collective national effort to avert further decline.

Tambuwal made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at a colloquium held to mark his 60th birthday. He said the country’s current situation represents a painful deviation from the ideals, vision, and sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

According to him, meaningful national recovery can only begin when Nigerians collectively acknowledge that there is something fundamentally wrong with the way the country is being governed.

“There is something fundamentally wrong with what we are doing and having as a government in Nigeria today,” Tambuwal said. “We must resolve to work together to rescue the country. Nigeria is in peril, and salvation can only come through a collective process.”

He stressed the need for honest leadership, responsible governance, and national unity to steer the country back on the path of progress.

The event drew several prominent political and public figures from across the country. Among those in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; 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, Gbenga Daniel, and Adams Oshiomhole.

Others included former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha and the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola.

Speaking virtually, former President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged that there were disagreements between the executive and the House of Representatives during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker but praised his leadership qualities.

“When he was Speaker and I was President, we had some disagreements,” Jonathan said. “But the House believed strongly in him, and he was able to hold it together.”

Former Senate President David Mark also commended Tambuwal’s leadership abilities and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who reportedly cut short a private vacation to attend the event, described Tambuwal as “a leader in the making” and urged him to live up to national expectations.

Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo State governor, praised Tambuwal’s capacity to manage a politically diverse House and recalled his personal support following the death of his wife.