Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders have showered praises on former Sokoto State governor and ex–Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as he marked his 60th birthday.
Tambuwal celebrated the milestone on Saturday with a high-profile colloquium in Abuja, attended by prominent political leaders, statesmen and civil society figures from across the country.
Chairman of the occasion, Obasanjo, described Tambuwal as a humble and principled leader, noting that humility was the foundation of his political rise. He revealed that he was among those who encouraged Tambuwal to contest the Sokoto State governorship after his tenure as Speaker.
“One thing that made me admire you greatly is your humility,” Obasanjo said. “Greatness without humility is hollow. Your greatness is not hollow because it is rooted in humility. From what I know of you, the sky is the limit.”
Obasanjo added that Tambuwal sought counsel before making key political decisions, a trait he described as rare among politicians.
In a virtual message, former President Jonathan said Tambuwal demonstrated exceptional leadership as Speaker of the House of Representatives, even during periods of disagreement with the executive arm of government.
“Despite our differences at the time, I must commend Tambuwal for the confidence and loyalty he commanded from members of the House,” Jonathan said. “That shows leadership qualities lacking in many politicians. He did well and held the House together.”
Jonathan wished Tambuwal continued growth, urging him to maintain close ties with his constituents and remain committed to public service.
In his address, Tambuwal used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s worsening political and economic challenges, warning that the country was drifting away from the ideals of its democratic founders.
“Nigeria is not where we expected to be,” he said. “Those who laid the foundation of our democracy, both living and dead, are not happy with the state of affairs. The only way out is for us to admit that something is fundamentally wrong with our governance.”
Calling for unity among opposition leaders, Tambuwal stressed that rescuing Nigeria must transcend partisanship.
“Nigeria is in peril, and salvation is a collective responsibility,” he said. “We have nowhere else to go. We must work together to enthrone good democratic governance and the right leadership.”
The colloquium drew a wide range of political figures, including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah; ADC National Chairman, David Mark; former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Aminu Masari, Abdullahi Ganduje and Jibrilla Bindow; as well as former Speakers Yakubu Dogara and Patricia Etteh.
Others in attendance included Prof. Pat Utomi, Babachir Lawal, Emeka Ihedioha, Solomon Dalung, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Austin Opara and several other notable opposition figures.