Sokoto Commission Wraps Up Hearings On Tambuwal Administration, Emphasizes Fairness Over Witch-Hunting

The Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry has clarified that its investigation into the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is not intended to harass, discredit, or malign him, but rather to examine his stewardship—a common practice in governance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Commission, established in October 2023 to investigate Tambuwal’s administration, concluded its public hearings on Thursday.

During the proceedings, Lead Counsel Hassan Liman (SAN) expressed concern over Tambuwal’s failure to appear as a witness despite several memos listing him to testify.

He urged the Commission to consider memos 002, 003, 004, 005, 007, 008, 009, and 010, where Tambuwal was named as a witness but did not attend. These memos were adjourned to January 14th, 15th, and 16th, 2025. Liman emphasized, “May I urge with respect that these memos be bound by whatever will be the finding of the commission.”

Liman reiterated that the Commission is a fact-finding inquiry, not a trial, and that witnesses are not legally obligated to testify. “This commission is focused on gathering facts about state properties during Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.”

In respect for the former governor, it was agreed— in the presence of his counsel—that other witnesses should testify first before his appearance.

However, despite multiple adjournments allowing Tambuwal to testify, he consistently failed to show up. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, Chairman of the Commission, stated that no further adjournments would be granted. Although Section 7(d) of the Commission’s provisions empowers it to order the arrest of witnesses who fail to honor its invitations, Justice Pindiga noted that the Commission has chosen not to take such action.

In response, Barrister Nuhu Adamu, representing Usman Suleiman (SAN), counsel for several witnesses, requested an adjournment, asserting Tambuwal’s continued interest in appearing before the Commission. He argued that Tambuwal highly regards the Commission, which is why his legal team has been present at all sittings.

After considering all submissions, Justice Pindiga announced that the Commission would provide any witnesses 14 days to submit written responses to the memos, with a 10-day period for replies, before officially concluding its public hearings.