The Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, established to examine the administration of former Governor Aminu Tambuwal since October 2023, concluded its public hearings on Thursday.
During the proceedings, the lead counsel for the commission, Hassan Liman (SAN), clarified that the inquiry was not aimed at harassing, embarrassing, or discrediting Tambuwal. Instead, it was intended solely to investigate his governance, a standard practice in such evaluations.
Expressing concern over Tambuwal’s absence as a witness in several memos, Liman urged that memos numbered 002, 003, 004, 005, 007, 008, 009, and 010, which listed Tambuwal as a witness, should be addressed in the commission’s findings.
Liman emphasized that the commission functions as a fact-finding body without authority to prosecute or impose penalties. He noted that no witness is legally obligated to appear before the commission.
“This commission is merely an inquiry to ascertain the fate of certain state properties during Tambuwal’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023. Out of respect for the former governor, it was agreed, in the presence of his legal representatives I.O. Suleiman, SAN, Malam Nuhu Adamu, F.M. Mada, and A. Abdulrahaman, that all witnesses would testify before Tambuwal. Despite several adjournments allowing him to present himself, he did not attend.”
Liman pointed out that Tambuwal’s consistent absence, despite adequate opportunities to testify and representation by his legal team, indicates a lack of interest in participating.
He concluded by urging the commission to officially close the public hearings and proceed to draft its report for submission to the government that established it.
In defense, Barrister Nuhu Adamu, representing Usman Suleiman (SAN), counsel for witnesses numbered 1 through 10, requested the commission to consider their motion for an adjournment, asserting that the former governor respects the commission, as evidenced by his legal team’s presence at all sessions.
After hearing from all parties, the commission’s chairman, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, stated that after more than a year of proceedings and multiple adjournments, further postponements could not be granted.
Justice Pindiga noted that while the commission has the authority under section 7(d) of its establishment provisions to order the arrest of those who fail to respond to its summons, it has chosen not to take such measures.
He reiterated that the commission had previously allowed Tambuwal ample time to testify after all other witnesses and could no longer grant additional adjournments.
The commission will now provide 14 days for any witness to submit a written response to any memo, with replies due within 10 days as it concludes its sessions, Justice Pindiga announced.
