A significant assembly of Nigeria's political elite, spanning generations, converged on the nation's capital this Saturday for a high-profile leadership colloquium. The event was organised to celebrate the public service and contributions of former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
A Gathering of Titans in the Heart of Abuja
The venue, the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, became the focal point for discussions centred on leadership, democracy, and nation-building. The colloquium forms part of a special lecture series designed to recognise Tambuwal's extensive impact on Nigeria's legislative development and the strengthening of its democratic institutions.
Leading the pack of dignitaries were two of the country's most prominent statesmen: former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Their presence underscored the event's significance and the cross-generational respect for the honouree.
Who Was in the Room? A List of Distinguished Personalities
The attendee list read like a who's who of Nigerian politics and intellectual thought. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, was ably represented by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro. From the upper legislative chamber's past, 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 weight, including:
- Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)
- Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)
- Aminu Masari (Katsina)
- Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom)
- Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun)
- Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun)
Other political figures in attendance were former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, ex-Speakers Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, former APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa.
Intellectuals and Statesmen Lend Their Voice
Beyond the political sphere, the event attracted leading minds and respected voices from academia and civil society. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, brought a moral perspective. The intellectual firepower was further amplified by the presence of renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi, former INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, ex-UN Permanent Representative Professor Tijjani Bande, and former Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
The honouree, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has had a storied career. He served four terms representing the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency before rising to become Speaker of the House of Representatives. He later governed Sokoto State for two terms and now serves as a Senator in the National Assembly, continuing his commitment to national service.
The convergence of such a diverse and powerful group in one room, under the banner of reflecting on leadership and democracy, sends a strong signal about the ongoing dialogues within Nigeria's political class. It highlights a shared, though often contested, space for discussing the nation's future trajectory amidst its complex challenges.
