The 14th Emir of Kano State, Mohammed Sanusi, emotionally shared the profound impact of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, in aiding him during a tumultuous period following his dethronement from the throne.
Sanusi expressed his heartfelt gratitude during a tribute event held in Lagos, where he recounted the unwavering support he received from Wigwe when he found himself in need of refuge after leaving Kano.
Sanusi reminisced about his interactions with Wigwe, revealing, “When I had problems in Kano, I called him (Wigwe) about six months before I was to leave Kano, and I said to him, ‘Herbert I know you will give all your best to solve all these problems, but I am convinced that this is what is going to happen.’ And he said to me ‘Your Highness, don’t worry, whatever happens, don’t worry we are here for you.’”
Reflecting on the pivotal moment of his departure from Kano, Sanusi emotionally shared, “On the day I heard on the radio that I was dethroned, the night before it happened, I called and said I wanted to come to Lagos. The announcement was made at about 9 am, and by noon, Herbert had a plane at the tarmac in Kano. I put my family on that plane, no message, no phone call, I put them on that plane. Herbert received them, put them in a hotel, and later got them accommodation for months.”
Sanusi also revealed how Wigwe’s altruism sparked misconceptions about his association with Access Bank, stating, “When I came we stayed there. Some people believe I own Access Bank and Aig and Herbert are fronting for me. They gave me the cars and the drivers, they gave me security and a private jet and they ask for nothing and they don’t talk about it.”
Additionally, Sanusi shared a touching anecdote about entrusting his life savings to Wigwe, expressing, “About two years ago, I put all my savings into a Trust for the education of my children… I told Herbert, ‘I am placing you in charge of this Trust for the education of my children because I know that even if I die and do not leave any money, you will educate my children.’”
“I thought I would die before Herbert”, he revealed.
“On the day before this happened, I was on a chat group when somebody made a few remarks about Herbert that I found offensive and I defended Herbert. I made my point very clear that this was unacceptable. “A few days after Herbert died; a friend called me and sent me a message. He sent a message to Herbert at about 3:20 am that morning (the day of the crash), telling him how I had stood up and defended him and forwarded my entire message to him. ‘Herbert replied at 3:28 am with one word ‘unbelievable’. He sent another message at 3:50 which was not delivered. From the presentation from the air traffic controllers, the crash happened at 3:30. So possibly, the last thing Herbert read was my message talking about him,” he added.
Sanusi’s heartfelt tribute was met with comfort from dignitaries including Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and Aig-Imoukhuede, as he reflected on Wigwe’s profound impact and the depth of his humanity.
