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.

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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

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.

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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.