Nigeria’s former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar, have emphasized the need for credible leadership in the country. They made this call at an event in Abuja to commemorate the 60th birthday of former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal. The occasion, which brought together prominent Nigerian leaders, highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership, accountability, and quality representation in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.
Obasanjo and Jonathan, who spoke at the event, drew from their experiences, particularly during Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011. Despite initial opposition, Tambuwal’s leadership qualities and the support he enjoyed from lawmakers ultimately led to his success in the position. Obasanjo described Tambuwal as a humble leader, noting that his rise demonstrated the independence of elected representatives in a democratic system.
Jonathan corroborated Obasanjo’s account, acknowledging the disagreements between the executive and the House of Representatives during his presidency. However, he commended Tambuwal’s ability to hold the House together, earning the respect of his colleagues and demonstrating leadership qualities that many politicians lack.
Other speakers at the event, including former Senate President David Mark, praised Tambuwal’s commitment to Nigeria’s democratic ideals, describing him as a humble, dependable, and trustworthy leader. Mark noted that Tambuwal’s political career reflects discipline, loyalty, and service to the nation, earning him respect across party lines.
In his response, Tambuwal expressed concern that Nigeria has not achieved the democratic promise envisioned by its founders and is in need of national salvation. He emphasized that national rescue must be a collective effort, requiring the responsibility of citizenship and not just political parties. Tambuwal’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing significant challenges, including economic and security concerns.
The event, which included a lecture, was intentionally framed around sober reflection rather than celebration, with Tambuwal noting that the focus should be on finding a pathway for the country’s progress. The occasion brought together a range of Nigerian leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abba Moro, and former Speakers of the House of Representatives Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara.
The emphasis on credible leadership and democratic governance by Nigeria’s prominent leaders highlights the need for collective action to address the country’s challenges. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the call for accountable and inclusive leadership is likely to remain a key focus for its leaders and citizens.
