Obasanjo, Atiku, Jonathan, Others Call for Credible Leadership at Tambuwal’s 60th Birthday

By Anayo Akwitti

Prominent Nigerian leaders across party lines on have called for credible, inclusive and accountable leadership as a foundation for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy at the 60th birthday lecture of former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, held in Abuja.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the occasion on Saturday, led the tributes, praising Tambuwal’s humility and leadership qualities, while recalling the events that led to his emergence as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011.

Obasanjo explained that opposition to Tambuwal’s emergence at the time was driven by a desire to sustain gender inclusion following the Peoples Democratic Party’s backing of Mulikat Akande-Adeola.

“Our thinking was that if, for the first time, a woman had become Speaker of the House, she should be encouraged to remain there,” Obasanjo said.

He, however, noted that lawmakers exercised their constitutional independence by insisting on Tambuwal, a move that tested party supremacy in a democracy.

“But your members thought otherwise, and you made your decision. We supported that decision,” he said, describing Tambuwal as a leader whose greatness is rooted in humility.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke virtually, confirmed that there were disagreements between the executive and the House during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker but commended his leadership style.

“We had some disagreements, but one thing I must give to Tambuwal is that members of the House believed so much in him. He held the House together,” Jonathan said.

Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, described Tambuwal as a humble, dependable and trustworthy leader committed to democratic ideals.

“Senator Aminu Tambuwal is a disciplined and loyal leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s democracy cannot be overlooked,” Mark said.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also spoke at the event, stressing the need for credible leadership and national unity to address Nigeria’s growing democratic and governance challenges.

In his response, Tambuwal said Nigeria was far from the democratic promise envisioned by its founding leaders and warned that the country was in urgent need of collective national rescue.

He explained that his 60th birthday activities were intentionally designed around reflection rather than celebration.

“It is all about the people of this country. It is all about good governance. It is not about me or merrymaking,” Tambuwal said.

Describing Nigeria’s condition as unfortunate, he said both past and present champions of democracy would be deeply disappointed by the current state of the nation.

“The only way out is for all of us to agree that there is something fundamentally wrong with governance in Nigeria and resolve to work together to bail out the country,” he said, adding that he remained committed to the struggle for good democratic governance.

The event, themed around leadership, democracy and nation-building, drew political leaders including Peter Obi, Adams Oshiomhole, Kayode Fayemi, and Mulikat Akande-Adeola, among others.