Alhaji Lamido Sanusi II, was moved to tears while paying tribute to Herbert Wigwe, recalling how he helped him when he was dethroned as Emir of Kano.
Sanusi, addressing the audience during the night of tribute to former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, recounted how he reached out to Wigwe six months prior to the incident.
He recalled Wigwe’s prompt response in arranging a plane that swiftly flew his family down to Lagos.
His words, “I was thinking I would die and leave Herbert. We have all heard about him, about his loyalty.
“When I had problems in Kano, I called him about 6 months before I was told to leave Kano. I said to him, ‘Herbert I know you’re doing all your best to solve all these problems, 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 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.”
Sanusi said the late Access Bank CEO and his partner Aig Imoukhuede, were crucial to his success during his five-year stint at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He also narrated how the pair helped resolve a serious challenge in the banking sector at the time.
