Aminu Tambuwal, senator and former governor of Sokoto State, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will not succeed in tarnishing his decades-long record of public service.
Speaking in Sokoto on Thursday during a reception held in his honour following his release on bail, Tambuwal recounted his recent encounters with the anti-graft agency.
He said he voluntarily honoured an EFCC invitation on August 6 and returned to its office on August 11 as requested.
“I went there on my own volition. I was interrogated and allowed to return home. On the next visit, I was told to bring sureties for bail,” he said.
The former speaker of the House of Representatives said he had asked to be granted bail on personal recognisance, citing his record as a former presiding officer of the National Assembly, two-term governor, and a serving senator.
“I told them I was Speaker for four years, governor for eight years, and now a senator. I’m a Commander of the Federal Republic. I deserve respect,” Tambuwal stated. “But the chairman of the EFCC declined. They insisted I must bring two federal directors with letters of introduction and other conditions.”
Tambuwal said that despite appeals from his lawyer, the EFCC refused his request for personal bail and placed him in custody.
“I was taken to cell A23, where I rested till the next morning,” he said.
The senator, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition, questioned the timing and motive of his arrest.
“Why now? Why at this moment?” he asked, alleging that the move was politically motivated.
He recalled that the Sokoto State government had earlier set up what he described as a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” that failed, claiming the renewed action by the EFCC was part of a broader political agenda.
“There are two sides in Nigeria today — those in government and those with the people. We chose the people,” he said. “Once you join APC, all your sins are forgiven. Is that what we should do to be safe?”
Tambuwal insisted that no one could distort his legacy. “From my time as minority leader in 2006, to deputy chief whip in 2007, to Speaker in 2011, and then governor till 2023, I have served this country diligently,” he said. “I will take on anyone trying to smear my name. I will not be blackmailed or intimidated.”
He also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of being anti-people, lacking empathy, and ignoring the federal character principle in appointments. “They want to appear invincible. But Nigerians are not fools,” he said.
Tambuwal further alleged that the 2023 general election was rigged and vowed that the opposition would not allow a repeat in 2027.
