Fight against corruption ‘selective’ – Northerners react to Tambuwal’s arrest by EFCC
Prominent voices from Northern Nigeria have begun reacting to the arrest of former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, describing it as a development that could have far-reaching political implications.
Some northern leaders say the arrest raises concerns over political witch-hunting, while others insist the law must take its course, regardless of status.
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday detained Aminu Tambuwal, for questioning over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of ₦189 billion.
Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and two-term Sokoto State governor, was detained and interrogated by detectives when he visited the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at about 11 a.m. on Monday.
Investigators allege that during his time as governor, he breached the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, by making massive cash withdrawals.
Several individuals and groups have condemned the arrest. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) both described it as politically motivated.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the Tinubu administration of using the EFCC to harass and intimidate the opposition, while former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi faulted the arrest, saying Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight must be fair and transparent. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also criticised the move, calling it a partisan tactic that undermines public trust.
However, the EFCC maintained it operates a non-partisan mandate and has been careful and impartial in carrying out its duties. It stressed that the law is taking its course, regardless of whether the suspects are members of the ruling party or the opposition.
Northern activist and commentator, Mahdi Shehu in an exclusive interview with SOCIETY WATCH 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.
