In a heartfelt tribute that moved many to tears, Muhammadu Sanusi II, the former Emir of Kano, remembered the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc. Speaking at a night of tribute held in Lagos, Sanusi, who also served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), expressed his deep sense of loss.
Sanusi, visibly emotional, said, “I was thinking I would die and leave Herbert. We have all heard about him, about his loyalty.” He recalled how Wigwe stood by him during his challenging times, especially after his deposition as Emir of Kano by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. According to Sanusi, Wigwe assured him of his unwavering support and loyalty.
The former Emir's emotional display sparked a flurry of comments on social media. Ademola H. Adigun, a social media user, noted that Sanusi, a Kings College attendee, displayed a Lagos “posh” accent and befriended mostly Southerners, particularly Yoruba, despite tribal and religious differences. Adigun added that Herbert's support for Sanusi in times of need demonstrated the depth of bonds placed on humanity and friendship over tribal and religious affiliations.
However, Muhammad Hashim Suleiman opined, “His tears are not for his “subjects”, but for his big pocket friends across the Niger.” Haroun Muhammed added, “In my understanding, what brings tears to most people in this kind of situation is the bond they have for one another and the philosophy they share between and among themselves. Perhaps he has more in common with his friends across Niger than he has with his followers/subjects.”
The discourse also highlighted the divide between the elite and the masses. Khadija Aminu observed, “Listening HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s tribute to Herbert Wigwe, one can’t help but wonder why unproductive, self-serving youths consistently exploit religion and ethnicity to divide the masses, while the elite class seems to operate with a sense of unity and cooperation.”
The tribute also brought to light the impact of Herbert Wigwe's life. Anita Emmanuel said, “Herbert Wigwe’s children must be proud of him. Listening to what HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said about him, I believe when God said love your neighbor as you love yourself, indeed Herbert Wigwe showed love and kindness to so many people.”
Usman Kabir summed up the sentiment, saying, “Losing someone who has always been there for you isn’t easy at all, for others could weep for their entire life; honestly, Herbert Wigwe gave a Sanusi Lamido Sanusi a resting shoulder when he was in his most trying time. We all need such kind of generous friends.”