Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said Nigeria is in peril and urgently needs salvation, calling on Nigerians to unite and rescue the country from its current challenges.

Tambuwal spoke at a colloquium organised to mark his 60th birthday, where he said the country had fallen far short of expectations.

He noted that Nigeria was not where its founding fathers envisaged, adding that even those who laid the foundations of the country’s democracy, whether alive or deceased, would be unhappy with the present state of affairs.

Tambuwal, who said it was the first time he was celebrating his birthday, explained that although he initially declined the idea of a colloquium, he later accepted because of the relevance of its theme.

According to him, the event was not about personal celebration but about reflecting on the state of the nation and finding a way forward.

“It is about good governance. It is not about me or merrymaking. It is about finding a pathway for our country. Where we are today is unfortunate. This is not where we expected to be,” he said.

He added that Nigerians who genuinely believed in the country and were not driven by selfish interests could not be satisfied with the current situation.

“The only way out is for all of us to accept that something is fundamentally wrong with how we are being governed in Nigeria today,” Tambuwal said.

Addressing dignitaries at the event, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Tambuwal stressed the need for collective action to rescue the nation.

“Our country is in peril, and we are looking for salvation. This is a collective process. It is not about partisanship or political parties alone,” he said.

While agreeing that political parties must present clear programmes and ideas for governance, Tambuwal insisted that all citizens had a role to play.

“We are involved as citizens of this country. We have nowhere else to go. We must remain in Nigeria and ensure that we do the right thing so that we can have the right leadership,” he said.

“I do agree. But we must all be involved. Why? Because we are involved as citizens of this country, and we have nowhere to go to, and we have nowhere to run to, but we have to remain in Nigeria and make sure that we do the right thing for us to have the right leadership.

“It is a collective responsibility. As my elder brother, Peter Obi, and many other leaders have said, much is expected of me at this stage of my life. I have passed the age of looking left, right and centre. I must therefore recommit myself to the values I have always believed in, even as a younger person.

“I may not be taking too much risk, although I am prepared to take some, but I recommit myself to working with every Nigerian who believes in achieving and enthroning good democratic governance for the country.” (Daily Trust)

Plateau: Mutfwang hands over 25 kidnapped travellers to Wase boss for reunion with families

The Plateau State Government has handed over 25 kidnapped travellers to the Wase Local Government Council for onward reunion with their families.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the government stated that the victims were rescued in collaboration with security agencies.

The victims were abducted along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area.

Briefing journalists during the handover ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, expressed deep regret over the unfortunate incident but thanked God for the safe rescue of the victims. He also commended the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their painstaking and professional efforts that led to the successful rescue.

Jatau disclosed that the victims, comprising six females and nineteen males, were kidnapped on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at about 7:00 pm, while travelling for a Maulud celebration. He explained that the kidnappers, who disguised themselves as vigilante operatives, mounted a fake roadblock under the guise of conducting routine security checks and intercepted the victims who were travelling on tricycles.

According to him, after stopping the victims for what appeared to be a normal search, the criminals whisked them away to an unknown destination. However, sustained pressure and coordinated efforts by the DSS, with the full support of the Plateau State Government, led to their rescue on Friday, 9 January 2026.

The SGS appreciated the DSS and other security agencies for their selfless service and sacrifices, assuring them of the state government’s continued support to enhance smooth operations aimed at safeguarding lives and property across Plateau State.

Jatau reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to providing a peaceful, safe, and inclusive environment for all residents of the state, irrespective of tribe, religion, or regional background.

He further stated that the state government, through the Wase Local Government Council, would provide necessary support to the affected families to help the victims recover from the psychological trauma they experienced during their captivity. (The Sun)