Obasanjo, Jonathan, Jega Laud Tambuwal At 60, Call for National Unity

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have lauded Senator Aminu Tambuwal for his contributions to the nation’s democratic experience.

Speaking earlier at the 60th Birthday Colloquium of Tambuwal, also a former Sokoto State governor yesterday in Abuja, Jega urged Nigerian leaders to urgently build an elite consensus anchored on national purpose, warning that selfish interests, weak planning, and the pursuit of power and wealth divorced from the public good are stalling the country’s development.

The high-profile event attracted prominent national figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, serving and former lawmakers, scholars, diplomats, and other eminent Nigerians.

Represented at the event by Nigeria’s former permanent representative to the United Nations, Professor Tijani Muhammad-Bande, Jega described the colloquium as a timely platform for sober reflection on Nigeria’s democratic future.

He referred to Senator Tambuwal as a “distinguished younger brother,” noting that the celebrant’s political journey reflects a commitment to democratic values and national unity.

According to Muhammad-Bande, Jega warned that the absence of a shared national vision among political elites has weakened governance and slowed development.

He noted that democracy has been in global decline since its peak in the 1990s, with Africa and transitional democracies like Nigeria experiencing significant backsliding.

Despite these challenges, Jega expressed optimism that Nigeria can still build an inclusive and participatory democracy capable of delivering on electoral mandates.

The keynote paper, titled “The Future of Democratic Governance in Nigeria: Pathways to National Cohesion, Human Security and Economic Renewal,” examined the close link between democratic governance, national unity, security, and economic growth.

It argued that governance must transcend administrative routines to embrace inclusiveness, human rights, and the rule of law.

Jega also highlighted deep flaws in Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process, lamenting that competence, experience, and moral integrity are often sacrificed, particularly within political parties plagued by internal corruption.

He warned that such practices risk reproducing poor leadership and further weakening the state amid widespread poverty.

He stressed that national purpose must underpin all reform efforts, asking: “Who are we as a nation, and what do we seek to achieve?” He added that responsibility for good governance does not rest with the government alone but with citizens acting collectively.

Concerns were also raised about Nigeria’s electoral system, with warnings that persistent electoral malpractice, disregard for party constitutions, excessive post-election litigation, and corruption within institutions—including the judiciary –  continue to erode public trust and damage social cohesion.

On the economy, Jega emphasised that democracy cannot be sustained without economic renewal, calling for a functional education system to drive growth, build capacity, and counter misinformation.

He further called for comprehensive security sector reforms, noting that public distrust of security agencies poses serious challenges to national stability.

Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the birthday celebration, paid a glowing tribute to Senator Tambuwal, describing his life as “a monumental life of service” defined by humility, courage, and dedication to humanity.

Obasanjo praised Tambuwal’s tenure as speaker of the House of Representatives, describing it as a reference point for legislative independence and institutional courage, and commended his service as governor of Sokoto State.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan also praised Senator Tambuwal for his exemplary leadership, highlighting his journey through Nigeria’s political landscape as a testament to dedication and public service.

Jonathan joined Tambuwal’s family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate the senator’s 60th birthday, reflecting on their shared political history.

“I knew Tambuwal when all of us became politicians. And as a politician, he has done well,” Jonathan said.

He noted Tambuwal’s progression from a member of the National Assembly to Speaker of the House of Representatives, then Governor of Sokoto State, and now a serving senator.

“To pass through all these roles and still be appreciated by his people, who have been voting for him, speaks volumes about his leadership,” Jonathan said.

Recalling their time in office together, Jonathan acknowledged that there were disagreements during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker but emphasized the respect he commanded among his peers.

“The members of the House believed so much in him and supported him well. It shows that he has leadership attributes that are lacking in most of us who are politicians,” he said.

Also speaking, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described Tambuwal as a statesman whose life at 60 reflects restraint, purpose, and unwavering commitment to democratic norms.

The tribute was delivered on his behalf by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who noted that Tambuwal’s leadership style—marked by dignity and discipline—stands out in an era often defined by excess.

In his closing remarks, Senator Tambuwal called on Nigerians across political, social, and professional divides to work together to rescue the country from its current challenges, describing Nigeria as being in peril and in urgent need of collective salvation.

“This is not where we expected to be as a nation,” Tambuwal said, stressing that those who genuinely believe in Nigeria cannot be satisfied with the current state of affairs.

He emphasised that fixing the country requires collective responsibility beyond political parties and the government alone.

Tambuwal said turning 60 marked a moment of renewed commitment to the ideals he has always stood for, pledging to continue working with Nigerians who believe in democratic governance anchored on integrity and accountability.

“At this age, I recommit myself to walking with every Nigerian who believes in entrenching good democratic governance for this country,” he said.

He thanked attendees, well-wishers, and members of the planning committee for the honour, concluding: “By the grace of God, I shall remain what I have always been. I shall remain Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.”