How Wigwe saved me after my dethronement – Sanusi
Former Central Bank Governor of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, broke down in tears while paying tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe and his family.
Reflecting on his deposition as the Emir of Kano, Sanusi used the incident to highlight Wigwe’s loyalty to his close associates while alive.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a crowd of mourners in Lagos during the funeral service for Wigwe.
His words: “You know when I had problems in Kano, I called him about six months before I was told to leave Kano and I said to him, Herbert, I know you did all your best to solve all this problem, but I’m convinced that this is what is going to happen.
“He said to me, Your Highness don’t worry, whatever happens, don’t worry, we’re here for you. On the day I heard on the radio that I was dethroned, the night before, I knew this was going to happen and I called him and said I want to come to Lagos when it happens.
“The announcement was made at about 9 a.m. by noon Herbert had a plane on the terminal in Kano. The plan then was to send me on exile for many years. I put my family on that plane. No message, no phone call, nothing. Just put them on that plane and sent them to Lagos. Herbert received them. Put them in a hotel. Later got them flats, and got them accommodation. For months when I came we stayed there. I can go on and on. Sola (Wigwe’s P. A) is here. Herbert said to me, Your Highness you want to travel, talk to Sola? I just call Sola and I get a jet. So much so that people believe I own the jet. So people believe.”
Sanusi also shared another story on why he placed Wigwe in charge of a trust fund he set up for his children.
He added, “I’m placing you in charge of this trust for the education of my children because I know that even if I died I did not leave any money, you would educate my children.”