‘Nigeria’s situation is unfortunate, demands collective action’ — Tambuwal
Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto State and serving senator, has described Nigeria’s current condition as unfortunate, saying the country’s challenges demand collective action from citizens across political and social divides.
Tambuwal spoke on Saturday in Abuja at a colloquium organised to mark his 60th birthday, noting that the event was not a celebration of his person but an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s future and the path forward.
He said the nation urgently needs “salvation” from the political, social and economic difficulties confronting it, stressing that the present situation falls far short of expectations at the return to democratic governance.
According to him, those who laid the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy would be deeply dissatisfied with the state of affairs in the country, as current realities point to serious shortcomings in governance.
Tambuwal said addressing Nigeria’s problems must go beyond partisanship, insisting that all Nigerians have a shared responsibility to demand and support good leadership. He added that citizens have no alternative country and must therefore commit themselves to doing what is right to secure Nigeria’s future.
The former governor also reaffirmed his readiness to work with individuals and groups committed to strengthening democratic governance and steering the country towards progress.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra State governor Peter Obi; former Senate President David Mark; Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah; former Speakers of the House of Representatives Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara; Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe; and Minister of Housing Ahmed Dangiwa.
Former governors present included Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Aminu Masari, Udom Emmanuel, Ibikunle Amosun, Gbenga Daniel, Emeka Ihedioha and Rauf Aregbesola, among other political leaders.
