A former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Wednesday broke down in tears while paying tribute to former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.
Addressing the crowd present for the night of tribute the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor said he was thinking he would die before Herbert.
He recalled how the late banker stood by his side all through his travails after being removed as Emir of Kano by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
According to the former Emir, Herbert assured him of his unflinching support and loyalty.
To match words with action, Lamido said Herbert provided a plane for him at the tarmac in Kano to convey him to Lagos.
“When I had problems in Kano, I called him about six months before I was told to leave Kano. I said to him, ‘Herbert I know you are doing all your best to solve all these problems, but I am convinced that this is what is going to happen.
“He said to me, ‘Your Highness, don’t worry. Whatever happens, don’t worry. We are here for you.’ On the day I heard on the radio that I was dethroned, I called him and said I wanted to come to Lagos.
“The announcement was made about 9 am, by noon Herbert had a plane at the tarmac in Kano. The plan then was to take me into exile for many years. I put my family on that plane and sent them to Lagos, with no phone calls. Herbert received them and put them in a hotel.
“Later, he got them accommodation. For months, when I came, they stayed there. Your Highness, if you want to travel, just call Shola.”
The former CBN said the late Access Bank CEO and his partner Aig Imoukhuede were crucial to his success during his five-year stint at the apex bank.
Wigwe died in a helicopter crash on February 9 in the United States.
