Tambuwal: EFCC can’t tarnish my record — I won’t be blackmailed or intimidated

Aminu Tambuwal, senator and former governor of Sokoto, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cannot tarnish his record of public service.

Tambuwal spoke in Sokoto on Thursday during a reception held in his honour after he was released on bail by the anti-graft agency.

He said he voluntarily honoured the EFCC invitation on August 6 and returned to the anti-graft agency’s 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 senator said he pleaded to be granted bail on personal recognisance, given his record as former speaker of the house of representatives, 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,” he said.

“But the chairman of the EFCC declined. They insisted I must bring two federal directors with letters of introduction and other conditions.”

He said, despite appeals by his lawyer, a senior advocate, he was denied bail and taken into custody.

“I was taken to cell A23, where I rested till the next morning,” he added.

‘WHY NOW?’

Tambuwal, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition, said he eventually met the bail conditions and was released, but questioned the motive behind his arrest.

“Why now? Why at this moment?” he asked.

He said the Sokoto state government had earlier constituted a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” that failed, and alleged that the fresh move by the EFCC was politically motivated.

Tambuwal said he and his allies have chosen to stand with the Nigerian people, and not with the purveyors of the current “bad governance”.

“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?”

He said no one can distort his public record.

“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.”

Tambuwal described the APC government as anti-people and lacking empathy.

“They want to appear invincible. But Nigerians are not fools,” he said.

He accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of ignoring federal character in appointments and pushing unfair policies.

“In any case, the election was rigged. We will not allow that to happen again,” he said.

He said the opposition remains committed to democratic principles and ensuring the people’s votes count in 2027.

“By the grace of God, we will end this misgovernance,” Tambuwal said.