Former Governor of Sokoto State and serving Senator, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has spoken about his recent encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stressing that no agency or political force can intimidate him.
Addressing supporters in Sokoto after what he described as a “brief visit” to the EFCC, Tambuwal explained that he was invited by the anti-graft agency and willingly honoured the invitation on August 6.
He disclosed that after initial rounds of questioning, he was allowed to return home but was asked to report back on August 10 and 11 for further interrogation.
According to Tambuwal, after several hours of questioning during the follow-up visit, he asked to be allowed to return home once more.
However, EFCC officials insisted that he provide two sureties—specifically, directors in the Federal Civil Service with letters of introduction from their employers—before he could be released.
“I told them to go back and inform the EFCC chairman that I am a former Speaker of the House of Representatives with an unblemished record, a two-term Governor of Sokoto State, a serving Senator, and a Commander of the Order of the Niger. I should be granted release on self-recognition,” Tambuwal said.
He explained that despite pleas from his legal team, which included three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the EFCC refused to relax the bail conditions.
As a result, he was detained overnight and released the following morning after fulfilling the bail requirements.
Tambuwal questioned the timing of the EFCC’s actions, suggesting they were part of a larger political plot.
“Why now?” he asked, pointing out that the current Sokoto State administration had previously established what he called a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” to investigate his tenure — a move he believes was politically motivated.
He argued that these developments formed part of a broader effort to discredit him and silence voices critical of the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.
“In Nigeria today, there are two sides: those aligned with Bola Tinubu and his government, and those aligned with the people of Nigeria. We have chosen to stand with the people,” he said.
Tambuwal went on to criticise the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a familiar political cliché: “Once you join the APC, whatever your sins, they are forgiven.”
He dismissed any suggestion of switching political allegiance, pledging to remain committed to the coalition for national rescue.
“I cannot be intimidated. I cannot be blackmailed. No one can tarnish my record,” he declared.