Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has warned that Nigeria is in grave danger and urgently needs national salvation.
He urged citizens across political, ethnic, and religious divides to unite and rescue the country from its current trajectory.
Tambuwal made the remarks on Saturday at a high-profile colloquium in Abuja to mark his 60th birthday.
The event drew former presidents, vice presidents, political leaders, and statesmen, who used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s democracy and the future of governance.
Lamenting the state of the country, Tambuwal said Nigeria has fallen far short of the hopes that accompanied the return to democratic rule.
“This is not where we expected to be. Those who laid the foundation of our democracy, some alive, many no longer living, are not happy, even in their graves, with the current situation in Nigeria,” he said.
Tambuwal disclosed that this was the first time he had formally celebrated his birthday. He explained that he initially resisted the idea but was persuaded by the theme of the colloquium, which he described as people-centred rather than self-glorifying.
“It is not about me. It is not about merrymaking. It is about good governance and about finding a pathway for our country. Where we are today is unfortunate,” he stressed.
Call for Collective Action
Tambuwal argued that even Nigerians who genuinely believe in the country cannot be satisfied with the current state of affairs. He said national recovery would only begin when citizens collectively acknowledge that something is fundamentally wrong with governance.
“The only way out is for all of us to agree that there is something fundamentally wrong with what we are doing as a country. Our nation is in peril, and we are in search of salvation. This is a collective process,” he said.
He emphasised that the task of national rescue must go beyond partisan politics.
“It is not about political parties alone. Yes, parties must present clear programmes on how to run the country. But we must all be involved as citizens. We have nowhere else to go. We must remain here and do the right thing to get the right leadership,” Tambuwal added.
He pledged to recommit himself to the ideals he had held since his youth.
“I recommit myself to working with every Nigerian who believes in finding and enthroning good democratic governance for this country,” he said.
Tributes from Leaders
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised Tambuwal’s humility and leadership qualities, describing his life as one of consistent service to Nigeria and humanity.
“One thing that has made me admire him is his humility. Greatness without humility is hollow. His greatness is not hollow,” Obasanjo said.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in a goodwill message, acknowledged past disagreements with Tambuwal during his tenure as Speaker but commended his leadership.
“One thing I must give to Tambuwal is that members of the House believed so much in him. That shows leadership attributes that are lacking in many of us as politicians,” Jonathan said.
Former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, described Tambuwal as a humble, dependable, and trustworthy leader.
“For me, Aminu Tambuwal is a son. His contributions to our democracy cannot be overlooked,” Mark said.
Keynote and Other Dignitaries
The colloquium featured a keynote lecture by former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, titled “The Future of Democratic Governance in Nigeria: Pathways to National Cohesion, Human Security and Economic Renewal.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said he cut short his vacation abroad to attend, describing Tambuwal as a leader worthy of celebration.
Former Anambra governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi urged Tambuwal to embrace reflection and renewed commitment at 60, cautioning against unnecessary risks.
Other dignitaries included former Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole, former Adamawa senator Aisha Binani, former Katsina governor Aminu Bello Masari, and several political leaders from across the country.
The event ended with renewed calls for unity, responsible leadership, and sustained commitment to democratic values, as participants agreed that Nigeria’s challenges require collective action and moral courage to overcome.
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