Deborah Akinyosoye
Former Sokoto State governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has vowed not to be silenced by what he described as intimidation and blackmail, following his release on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC had quizzed Tambuwal and detained him for a night over alleged N189bn fraud. He was later released on administrative bail.
Tambuwal, who returned to Sokoto on Thursday to a hero’s welcome from thousands of supporters, addressed the cheering crowd at his residence, pledging to continue the fight for “equitable and democratic governance” in the state.
“I cannot be intimidated or blackmailed. I believe I shall be vindicated, and victory shall be ours,” he declared, drawing loud chants of solidarity from his supporters.
The EFCC said it was probing Tambuwal over alleged misappropriation of N189bn during his tenure as governor.
But the opposition African Democratic Congress described the timing of the investigation as a political witch-hunt aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Recounting his encounter with the EFCC, Tambuwal said he honoured the agency’s invitation on August 6 but was denied release on personal recognition, despite his credentials as a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term governor, and serving senator.
“They insisted I must provide two top civil servants as sureties. My request was turned down. Despite being accompanied by three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, I was remanded in Cell N23,” he said.
The former governor accused the Sokoto State government of orchestrating a “Kangaroo investigative committee” against him, stressing that no competent authority had found him guilty of any wrongdoing.
Tambuwal’s defiant stance comes amid heightened political tensions in Sokoto, where he has become a rallying figure for opposition forces positioning for future political battles.