Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State and senator for Sokoto South, has vowed not to be silenced by what he called blackmail and intimidation after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission released him on bail.
Due to an alleged N189 billion alleged fraud and money laundering, Tambuwal was questioned by the EFCC and held overnight but was later granted administrative bail.
After receiving a hero’s welcome from thousands of fans upon his return to Sokoto on Thursday, Tambuwal spoke to the applauding audience at his home and promised to keep up the battle for “equitable and democratic governance” in the state.
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“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 had stated it was probing Tambuwal over alleged misappropriation of N189bn during his tenure as governor. However, the opposition African Democratic Congress(ADC) described the timing of the investigation as a witch-hunt that was politically motivated and directed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Tambuwal recounted his meeting with the EFCC, saying he accepted the agency’s invitation on August 6 but was not released on personal recognition.
“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 emphasised that no appropriate body had judged him guilty of any misconduct and accused the Sokoto State government of setting up a “Kangaroo investigative committee” against him.
Meanwhile, notable Northern Nigerian figures have started to respond to the arrest of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the former governor of Sokoto State, calling it a situation that may have significant political ramifications.
While some northern politicians believe the arrest is a form of political witch-hunting, others maintain that the law must be applied regardless of status.
Northern activist and commentator, Mahdi Shehu in an interview described the arrest of former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as evidence of EFCC dancing naked and accused the anti-graft agency of political bias.
He claimed that while the agency protects people who are in the APC or intend to join it, it primarily targets lawmakers from other parties.
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Shehu cited a number of well-known corruption cases in which the EFCC reportedly turned a blind eye.
He referenced the findings of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, which showed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was unable to account for ₦210 trillion since 2017.
