Despite EFCC drag, Tambuwal says, graft-burster “can’t tarnish my record – I won’t be blackmailed or intimidated”
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Senator Aminu Tambuwal says he is more than ever pretty determined to join forces with like-minded folks to end the “era of misrule” exacerbated by Bola Tinubu whose two-year reign in the Villa critics knock as giving no value to Nigerians.
Tambuwal announced in Sokoto that his decision aligns with public opinion and reflects his commitment to repositioning the country and correcting its wrongs.
“I remain one person who believes in democracy and good governance,” he said at his reception after being granted bail from detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N189 billion heist when he was Sokoto Governor between 2015 and 2023.
He explained that he supports the opposition coalition in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) based on consultations with professionals, political actors, and other stakeholders to chart a better course for Nigeria.
“We came together based on our shared belief in what is good for Nigeria, working strictly within democratic principles and processes to flush out the Tinubu-led APC [All Progressives Congress] government,” he declared.
Tambuwal spoke on arrival at his residence on Kontagora Road, Sokoto where he was received by a jubilant crowd of supporters chanting political victory songs.
“There is no going back on my journey with like minds to salvage the country from the woes of the APC-led government,” he vowed.
“Tinubu’s administration has taken Nigerians to the trash – a government with no compassion, sympathy, or concern for citizens now battered by insecurity, poverty, and social underdevelopment.”
He stressed that the coalition movement is to restore accountability and good governance.
“Nigerians are not fools. They believe in a democratic process that can change the government of the day, and that is exactly what this coalition stands for.”
Tambuwal said some forces are uneasy about the coalition’s progress and have resorted to intimidation.
“These are the things the current government of Tinubu cannot handle.
“They are confused and dumbfounded. Before the 2023 elections, we warned Nigerians not to vote for Tinubu, and today, here we are.”
Tambuwal criticised Tinubu’s policies, describing them as anti-people and devoid of humane consideration.
“Unfortunately, the 2023 election was rigged, and many wrongs – particularly in the application of the federal character principle and equitable distribution of national projects – have been orchestrated to affect all six geopolitical zones, all while insecurity, poverty, and other ills worsen.”
Tambuwal thanked his supporters in Sokoto and beyond for their steadfastness and prayers, acknowledging the resilience of key players in the efforts of the coalition.
He recounted how he voluntarily honoured the EFCC invitation on August 6 and returned to its Abuja office on August 11 as requested.
“I went there on my own volition. I was interrogated and allowed to return home. On the next visit, I was told to bring sureties for bail.”
He said he pleaded to be granted bail on personal recognizance based on his public record as former House of Representatives Speaker, two-term Governor, and a serving Senator.
“I told them I was Speaker for four years, Governor for eight years, and now a Senator. I’m a Commander of the Federal Republic. I deserve respect.
“But the Chairman of the EFCC declined. They insisted I must bring two federal directors with letters of introduction and other conditions.”
Despite appeals by his lawyer, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he was denied bail and taken into custody.
“I was taken to cell A23, where I rested till the next morning.”
Tambuwal – a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – who supports the ADC opposition coalition, said he eventually met the bail conditions and was released, but questioned the motive behind his arrest.
“Why now? Why at this moment?” he asked.
He narrated that the Sokoto Government had constituted a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” that failed, and alleged that the fresh move against him by the EFCC is politically motivated.
Tambuwal reiterated that he and his allies have chosen to stand with the Nigerian people, and not with the purveyors of the current “bad governance.
“There are two sides in Nigeria today – those in government and those with the people. We chose the people.
“Once you join APC, all your sins are forgiven. Is that what we should do to be safe?”
“From my time as [House] Minority Leader in 2006, to Deputy Chief Whip in 2007, to Speaker in 2011, and then Governor till 2023 – I have served this country diligently.
“I will take on anyone trying to smear my name. I will not be blackmailed or intimidated.”
Tambuwal described the APC government as anti-people and lacking empathy.
“They want to appear invincible. But Nigerians are not fools.”
He accused Tinubu of ignoring federal character in appointments and pushing unfair policies.
“In any case, the election was rigged. [But] we will not allow that to happen again,” Tambuwal vowed.
He said the opposition coalition is committed to democratic principles and ensuring the people’s votes count in 2027, and “by the grace of God, we will end this misgovernance.”
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