It was a day of commendations and reflections as prominent Nigerian figures gathered to celebrate Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on his milestone 60th birthday. The event, which took on the air of a significant national dialogue, saw former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other notable personalities, showering praise on Tambuwal’s character and political journey. More than just a birthday bash, the occasion also served as a platform for Tambuwal himself to voice pressing concerns about the state of Nigeria, calling for urgent unity and a collective effort to steer the nation away from its current challenges.
- Former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan, plus Atiku Abubakar, laud Tambuwal at his 60th birthday.
- Tambuwal stresses Nigeria’s perilous state and the need for salvation.
- Speakers highlight Tambuwal’s journey to becoming Speaker of the House of Representatives against odds.
- Discussions at the colloquium focused on inclusive governance and national unity.
- Tambuwal uses the platform to call for reflection and collective action for Nigeria’s future.
A Gathering of Leaders: Tributes Pour In
The birthday colloquium, held in Abuja, became a stage for Nigeria’s political heavyweights to share their perspectives on Senator Tambuwal. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, chairing the occasion, painted a picture of Tambuwal as a man of profound humility and boundless leadership potential. “The moon is his limit,” Obasanjo declared, underscoring his belief in Tambuwal’s capacity for greater service. He recounted how Tambuwal, despite initial reservations from Obasanjo himself who had wished for a female Speaker, managed to clinch the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011. This narrative of overcoming obstacles was a recurring theme, as Obasanjo advised Tambuwal to pursue his gubernatorial ambitions, which he successfully did, leading to his current role as a Senator.
Echoing these sentiments, former President Goodluck Jonathan also spoke of Tambuwal’s humility. He admitted to having opposed Tambuwal’s bid for the Speakership at one point but emphasized that this did not fracture their relationship due to Tambuwal’s respectful demeanor. “He was appreciated as a politician. We had some issues, but he was supported by his fellow parliamentarians and he had his way,” Jonathan noted.
Tambuwal’s Vision: A Nation in Peril
Beyond the personal accolades, the birthday celebration served as a powerful platform for Tambuwal to address the critical state of the nation. For the first time, he revealed, he was celebrating his birthday in such a manner, accepting the colloquium’s theme as a vital opportunity for national introspection. “It is about good governance. It is not about me or merrymaking. It is about finding a pathway for our country. Where we are today is unfortunate. This is not where we expected to be,” Tambuwal stated candidly. He asserted that genuine patriots cannot be content with Nigeria’s current trajectory and that a fundamental reassessment of the nation’s governance is imperative.
The Urgency for Salvation
Tambuwal’s message was clear and urgent: Nigeria is in peril and desperately needs salvation. He called for a united front, transcending political affiliations, to rescue the country from its multifaceted challenges. “Our country is in peril, and we are looking for salvation. This is a collective process. It is not about partisanship or political parties alone,” he emphasized. His words resonated deeply, urging every Nigerian to accept that the current system of governance is fundamentally flawed and requires collective action for reform.
Calls for Inclusive Governance
The colloquium also featured insightful discussions moderated by distinguished personalities like former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Prof. Pat Utomi, and Dr. Usman Bugaje. A key takeaway from these discussions was the advocacy for an inclusive governance system. The current “winner-takes-all” majority system was identified as a significant problem contributing to Nigeria’s woes.
Kayode Fayemi stressed the need for a system that fosters general participation by all Nigerians, moving away from an exclusionary model. Prof. Pat Utomi, expressing concern that Nigeria might regress to systems akin to Sudan’s, highlighted the populace’s love for democracy but aversion to “state capture.” He proposed proportional representation as a means to ensure that election outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people, advocating for an all-inclusive system over the current elitist approach.
Tambuwal’s Journey: From Legislator to Senator
The narrative of Tambuwal’s rise in politics was also a focal point. Senator David Mark, former Senate President, shared how he was persuaded by Tambuwal and Emeka Ihedioha to support their aspirations, eventually backing Tambuwal for Speaker and Ihedioha for Deputy Speaker, despite party directives. This anecdote underscored Tambuwal’s political acumen and ability to build consensus.
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, welcomed Tambuwal to the “sixth club” – referring to those who have reached the age of 60. He described Tambuwal as a committed Nigerian dedicated to the nation’s unity.
| Figure | Role/Affiliation | Key Message/Action |
|---|---|---|
| Olusegun Obasanjo | Former President, Chairman of the Occasion | Praised Tambuwal’s humility, leadership potential; recounted his journey to Speakership. |
| Goodluck Jonathan | Former President | Emphasized Tambuwal’s humility, despite past opposition to his Speakership bid. |
| Atiku Abubakar | Former Vice President | Eulogised Tambuwal’s service and character. |
| Aminu Waziri Tambuwal | Senator, Celebrant | Called for national salvation, good governance, and collective action; reflected on Nigeria’s state. |
| Kayode Fayemi | Former Governor of Ekiti State, Moderator | Advocated for inclusive governance and general participation. |
| Prof. Pat Utomi | Economist, Moderator | Warned against state capture, suggested proportional representation for inclusive governance. |
| Dr. Usman Bugaje | Scholar, Moderator | Contributed to the discussion on national challenges and governance. |
| Peter Obi | Former Governor of Anambra State | Described Tambuwal as a committed Nigerian focused on unity. |
| Senator David Mark | Former Senate President | Shared anecdote of supporting Tambuwal’s Speakership bid. |
Tambuwal concluded by expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of goodwill and pledged to remain true to his principles. The event, while celebrating an individual, served a greater purpose: igniting a crucial conversation about Nigeria’s future and the collective responsibility of its citizens in shaping it.
About The Author
