Former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has raised a stark alarm over Nigeria’s condition, cautioning that the country is facing a dangerous moment and urgently needs collective rescue.
Tambuwal delivered the warning on Saturday while speaking at a colloquium organised to commemorate his 60th birthday. He argued that Nigeria’s survival now depends on sincere leadership, accountable governance and a renewed sense of national cohesion among citizens.
According to him, the present reality of the country stands in sharp contrast to the ideals and sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers. He stressed that genuine progress can only begin when Nigerians are willing to confront the truth about systemic failures in governance.
“It is for all of us to agree that there is something fundamentally wrong with what we are doing and having as a government in Nigeria today,” he stated.
“Therefore, we must resolve to work together and bail out the country. Our country is in peril, and we are looking for salvation. It is a collective process.”
The colloquium drew an array of prominent political and public figures from across the country. Among those present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah. Several former Speakers of the House, including Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, were also in attendance.
The gathering further featured Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Minister of Housing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and a number of former governors such as Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Masari, Udom Emmanuel, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel. Former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, were equally present.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who joined the event virtually, reflected on Tambuwal’s time as Speaker of the House of Representatives. He acknowledged that there were moments of tension between the executive and the legislature during that period but praised Tambuwal’s capacity to maintain unity.
“When he was Speaker, I was the President, and we had some disagreements,” Jonathan said.
“But one thing I must give to Tambuwal is that members of the House believed so much in him. He held the House together.”
Former Senate President David Mark also lauded Tambuwal’s leadership qualities, offering goodwill messages and expressing optimism about his future contributions to national development.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who reportedly cut short a vacation abroad to attend the celebration, described Tambuwal as “a leader in the making” and encouraged him to continue rising to the expectations placed on him by Nigerians.
Former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole added a personal note, praising Tambuwal’s skill in steering a deeply divided House of Representatives and recalling how the former Speaker paid him a condolence visit following the death of his wife.
What you should know
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal remains a central figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, having served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Governor of Sokoto State.
His remarks reflect growing concern among political elites about Nigeria’s governance challenges, including leadership credibility, unity and institutional effectiveness. The colloquium marking his 60th birthday became a platform for broader national reflection, drawing current and former leaders from different political divides.
Their comments highlighted Tambuwal’s influence, leadership style and continued relevance, while also underscoring widespread anxiety about Nigeria’s future and the urgent need for reform-driven, people-centred governance.
