Tambuwal Speaks on EFCC Interrogation, Says He Won’t Be Intimidated

• Tambuwal voluntarily attended EFCC questioning, detained overnight despite senior lawyers’ appeals, and linked action to political motives

• He declared steadfastness against intimidation, criticized APC, and emphasized loyalty to the people over the Tinubu government

Former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has broken his silence on his recent encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), insisting that no agency or political force can intimidate him.

Speaking in Sokoto after what he described as a “brief visit” to the EFCC, Tambuwal said he honoured the agency’s invitation on August 6 and went voluntarily to their office. He explained that after initial questioning, he was allowed to return home but asked to report again on August 10 and 11 for further interrogation.

During the follow-up session, Tambuwal requested to leave after hours of questioning, but EFCC officials insisted he must present two sureties directors in the Federal Civil Service with employer-issued letters of introduction before being released.

“I told them to inform the EFCC chairman that I am a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, a two-term governor, a serving senator, and a Commander of the Order of the Niger. I should be granted release on self-recognition,” he said.

Despite appeals from his legal team, including three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the EFCC refused to alter the bail conditions. He was detained overnight and released the next morning after meeting the requirements.

Tambuwal questioned the timing of the EFCC’s action, linking it to political motives. He claimed the current Sokoto State government had earlier set up a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” to probe his tenure, describing it as part of a wider attempt to discredit him.

“In Nigeria today, there are two lines: those with Bola Tinubu and his government, and those with the people of Nigeria. We chose to stand with the people,” he declared.

He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), referencing a common political saying: “Once you join the APC, whatever your sins, they are forgiven.”

Tambuwal vowed to remain committed to the opposition coalition and said, “I cannot be intimidated. I cannot be blackmailed. No one can tarnish my record.”