The former Central Bank Governor of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, broke down in tears while paying tribute to the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.

Sanusi reflected on his deposition as the Emir of Kano and used it to highlight Wigwe’s loyalty to those closest to him (the deceased).

He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a crowd of mourners who graced the night of tribute service for Wigwe in Lagos.

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.

Video: How Wigwe saved me during dethronement as Kano's emir — Sanusi pic.twitter.com/42gaO6y3VN

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“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 wanted to come to Lagos when it happened.

“The announcement was made at about 9 a.m. By noon, Herbert had a plane at the terminal in Kano. The plan then was to send me into exile for many years. I put my family on that plane. No message, no phone call, nothing. Just put them on that plane and send them to Lagos. Herbert received them. He put them in a hotel, and he later got them accommodation. For months, when I came, we stayed there. I can go on and on. Shola (Wigwe’s P.A.) is here. Herbert told me, Your Highness, if you want to travel, just call Shola. Anytime I want to travel, I just call Shola and I get a jet. So much so, that people believe I own the jet.”