Nigerian Senator at 60: Leaders Must Unite the Country

A veteran Nigerian politician is marking his milestone birthday with a powerful message: the country's brightest days can still lie ahead if leaders choose unity over division.

Senator Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State, used his 60th birthday celebration to reflect on what Nigeria needs most. Speaking with journalists in Sokoto, he painted a picture of a nation rich in potential but held back by leaders who prioritize ethnic and regional interests over national progress.

"Nigeria is a great country whose enormous potential has been acknowledged for decades," Tambuwal said. He acknowledged the nation hasn't yet reached where it should be, but insisted the path forward is clear: leaders must commit to serving all Nigerians, not just their own ethnic groups or regions.

Tambuwal's call for unity comes from experience. As Speaker of the National Assembly, he earned respect for bridging political and ethnic divides. Now he's warning that growing regional polarization threatens the country's stability and urging the current administration to ensure all sections of Nigeria feel included in governance.

The senator went beyond criticism to offer solutions. He stressed that investing in young people through education, healthcare, and skills training is essential for Nigeria's future. During his time as governor, he deliberately mentored young leaders, many of whom now hold important positions across the country.

Drawing inspiration from the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Tambuwal reminded leaders that Nigeria's diversity should be managed through fairness and understanding, not suppressed. He called ethnic differences both a challenge and a strength that requires deliberate, inclusive leadership.

The Ripple Effect

Tambuwal's birthday message resonates beyond politics. He's helping build a coalition through the African Democratic Congress that brings together Nigerians committed to unity and democratic values. The movement is gaining momentum as citizens grow weary of divisive politics and demand leadership that serves everyone.

His emphasis on preparing the next generation creates lasting impact. By actively mentoring young leaders and investing in their development, he's ensuring that the values of inclusive leadership get passed forward. Those young people he mentored are now spreading similar messages of unity in their own spheres of influence.

The senator also addressed concerns about election integrity, noting that Nigerians are increasingly determined to defend democracy through lawful means. "The era of imposed outcomes is coming to an end," he declared, expressing confidence that future elections will better reflect the people's will.

At 60, Tambuwal remains committed to the principle that put him in opposition politics as a sitting governor: choosing values over convenience. His willingness to stand for democratic ideals rather than align with power for personal gain offers a model for younger politicians watching his example.

Nigeria's path to greatness requires leaders who consciously build trust across ethnic and regional lines, and Tambuwal's birthday message shows that such leadership is still possible.