Tributes continue to pour for the departed Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, as pillars of Corporate Nigeria as well as his colleagues in the banking world continue to eulogise the phenomenal work that he did within the short period he lived.
During another session of celebration in Lagos on Wednesday, the 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi, paid glowing tribute to Wigwe, recalling how the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, provided a shoulder for him to lean on when the wind of politics blew him off his exalted throne.
The event was the continuation of the night of tributes organised in Wigwe’s honour in Lagos and former Emir Sanusi broke down thrice as he recounted how the late banker gave him succcour when he was dethroned, and he desperately needed a place for him and his family to stay.
“When I had problems in Kano,” Sanusi recalled, “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.
“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.”
According to Sanusi, Wigwe’s kindness to him gave many the impression he (Sanusi) owned Access Bank, while Wigwe and Aig-Imoukhuede were his stooges.
“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 asked for nothing. They didn’t talk about it. I have lived in Lagos for four years, the house my family lives in was provided by Herbert.
“Today, we honour not just the soul that boarded that fateful helicopter, but the indomitable dreamers and builders that soared to heights reserved for the chosen few. Your excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, may Herbert’s legacy continue to bloom in the hearts and minds of those who strive for greatness.
“On behalf of my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Access family, the banking world, and the Nigerian nation, please accept our most heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”
