By Isma’ila Aliyu Makarfi,
Senator Aminu Tambuwal, ex- Speaker of the House of Representatives, former Governor of Sokoto State and currently Senator representing Sokoto- South Senatorial District at the National Assembly has no doubt contributed enormously to Nigerian democracy and stamped his mark boldly on the country’s murky political terrain. His emergence as Speaker in 2011 amid fierce opposition in a keenly contested race between him and Senator Mulikat Akande Adeola gave Nigerians a glimpse into a charismatic politician who would later become a force to be appreciated in Nigerian politics. His ascent to the respected position of Speaker of the House of Representative against all odds and drama introduced a tactical young and vibrant northern politician who came, saw and conquered with humility at the end of the day. He not only made peace with his competitors after his victory he humbly rallied his colleagues in the ruling party which he belonged to and also brought on board the opposition to form a harmonized assembly that left a positive legacy in the minds of many Nigerians.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal as speaker established himself to be a dependable ally, someone who can be trusted to be there for the people at all times and also as a daring politician whose major focus is to always stand by the people at all time and proud to wear the truth toga no matter whose ox is gored. His leadership of the House of Representatives ushered in a period of tranquility yet to be seen in the Green Chamber since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999. His performance as Speaker set the bar in governance in the legislative arm of government and created a template. His courage in the face of tough challenges from the Executive arm of government inspired his colleagues and propelled them to go about their duties boldly without fear or favour.
Perhaps no one gave a clearer picture of the courageous character of Aminu Tambuwal than Vice President Kashim Shettima who recently revealed how Tambuwal as Speaker stopped President Jonathan from removing him from office as governor.
The Vice President revealed his near-removal experience as governor of Borno State during the days of former President Goodluck Jonathan at the public presentation of “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block,’’ a memoir written by Mohammed Adoke, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.
Shettima said: “It was the courageous intervention of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who told Jonathan he had no power to remove an elected governor, that saved me”.
According to vice -president Shettima, the former president, while seeking counsel on the appropriateness of such action had invited Aminu Tambuwal and Mohammed Adoke, who in their wisdom, guided former President Jonathan against such decisions.
“They told him that you do not have the powers to remove, even an elected Councillor from office as President”, Shettima said.
Aminu Tambuwal’s boldness and distinct representation has not changed or wavered over the years. This could be seen even as a Senator. It is on record that he was the lone senator from the north apart from Senator Seriake Dickson from the south-south who stood out boldly to oppose his colleagues at the Senate and the House of Representatives for passing the controversial suspension of Governor of Rivers state, Sminalayi Fubara and the declaring of emergency rule in the state by President Bola Tinubu.
Tambuwal as Senator representing Sokoto South came out in his characteristic bold style and stated that the National Assembly did not garner the required two- thirds before ratifying the emergency rule in Rivers State. The Senator while speaking with the Sunday Sun in Abuja had said the action fell short of the provision of the constitution as the Senate did not garner the constitutional two-thirds of members required to approve it.
He said: “I will be speaking to you from the point of view of a lawyer, a member of the Body of Benchers and a life Bencher for the matter and not necessarily as a lawmaker who is a member of the 10th Senate. And, in addition to that, possibly my experience as a former presiding officer, former Speaker of the House of Representatives who presided over a matter such as this in 2013”.
He went further to state that: “Section 305 of the Constitution is very clear. It is unambiguous, the language is very plain, of the Constitution as to first, how the president can declare a state of emergency and what is required of the legislature, the two chambers – both the Senate and the House of Representatives before passing such a resolution”.
“In the case of what happened in the Senate, where I belong, I don’t know whether members of your team, who are members of the press corps, had the privilege of checking the (Senate) register to see whether there were up to 72, 73 senators on the floor. From what I saw, there was no such number on the floor on that day”.
“So, if you juxtapose that to the requirement of the Constitution which says that the Senate must have two-thirds of its members, all of its members to pass that resolution, in support of it, not just present and voting. No! Supporting it. It means that what was done fell short of the provision of the Constitution.”
Straight and blunt are the two traits that have kept defining Senator Aminu Tambuwal either as member of the Federal House of Representatives, Governor or Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria .
Tambuwal as the Governor of Sokoto State brought about various commendable developmental policies and projects to the state. Some of his administration’s key achievements cut across infrastructure and is credited with constructing over 100 kilometers of roads and flyovers with special focus on rural communities and farmlands.
The administration prioritized education with specific focus on girl-child education. Tambuwal increased the state budgetary allocation to the education sector and declared a state of emergency on the state education sector in 2015.
His administration also initiated a major campaign to revamp and upgrade the healthcare system in the state and also gave much attention to agriculture and implemented various initiatives to support the sector. His empathy and care for the citizens of the state galvanized him to launch various successful and sustainable programs across Sokoto State as governor.
Aminu Tambuwal was one of the popular presidential candidates in 2019 after being forced to seek the highest political position in the country by his teeming supporters. He was among the long list of 12 candidates including four from his north western region that contested for the PDP presidential ticket.
Tambuwal was popular in the race and was among the top four candidates. He was projected to win going by his political pedigree including his young age, his political sagacity, his untainted records from corruption indictment.
Tambuwal placed second position with 693 delegate votes behind Atiku Abubakar who won with 1,532 votes in the PDP presidential primary election conducted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Tambuwal in 2022 was also among the top contenders for the PDP presidential primary race before stepping down for former vice president Atiku Abubakar and then magnanimously urged his supporters among the delegates to vote for Atiku. He spoke shortly before the commencement of the election at the PDP national convention in Abuja.
“After consultation with so many people across the country, the time has come to make the sacrifice for the good of the country and the party and also to minimise rancour and jostle for power among aspirants. I have come to the conclusion to step down from the race. I urge my supporters to vote for Atiku Abubakar,” he said.
Now that the north crucially needs a leader to propel the region effectively the name of Aminu Tambuwal has kept echoing across the region and the country at large as the best formidable person to lead Arewa into its hitherto impressive socio-economic and political position.
As Nigerians look forward to the emerging dynamics in the country’s political trajectory no doubt that the formidable force and bold sagacity of Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal would be felt and appreciated as we approach the much speculated 2027 election no matter where he decides to pitch his political camp.
Hon. Isma’ila Aliyu Makarfi, is a former commissioner of Finance in Kaduna State and a politician.
He can be reached at:
[email protected]
