A significant gathering of Nigeria's political elite took place in the nation's capital on Saturday, as past and present leaders converged for a high-profile colloquium celebrating the career of Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
A Gathering of Political Titans
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, saw former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar leading an impressive roster of attendees. The colloquium was organized as a special lecture series to recognize Tambuwal's substantial contributions to Nigeria's legislative development and democratic growth. The central theme of the discussions revolved around critical issues of leadership, democracy, and nation-building.
Who Was in Attendance?
The guest list read like a who's who of Nigerian politics and public intellectualism. From the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio was represented by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro. Former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, was also present.
A notable contingent of former state governors added to the event's stature. This group included:
- Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)
- Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)
- Aminu Masari (Katsina)
- Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom)
- Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun)
- Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun)
Also in the audience was former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.
Dignitaries from Diverse Sectors
The event transcended pure politics, drawing respected figures from other spheres of national life. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, provided a moral and intellectual perspective. Former Speakers of the House, Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, were in attendance, alongside Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe.
The political class was further represented by former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
Academia and public policy were strongly represented by a cadre of professors. Renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi, former INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, Nigeria's former Permanent Representative to the UN Professor Tijjani Bande, and former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, all graced the occasion.
The honoree, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has had a distinguished career in Nigerian governance. He served four terms representing the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency before rising to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He later governed Sokoto State and is currently serving as a senator. The colloquium served as a testament to his enduring influence and the high regard in which he is held by peers across the political and intellectual spectrum.
