*Memory Lane*

A little Drama in Kaduna.
During the just concluded 2-Day Summit on "Rethinking the Security and Development Agenda for Northern Nigeria" organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation, a mild drama occurred during one of the technical sessions chaired by the former governor of Adamawa State, HE, Murtala Nyako.
After beautiful presentations and contributions by the discussants, it was time to take contributions from the members of the audience.
The microphone got to the hand of one Rtd Brigd Gen. Galadanci. Without mincing words he declared; "we are here deceiving ourselves. We Northerners like to lie to ourselves. All the beautiful papers presented and applauded woefully failed to address the real issues. Yet we all clapped for them. Let me ask; where is the the Chairman of BoT of this Foundation? Don't tell me, he is in jail for stealing money of his people while he reigned as their governor. Even on this high table (points at the high table), there are people who have stolen the futures of their people yet, we are all here lying to ourselves! Our leaders in Northern Nigeria are thieves! They compete in out- stealing each other at any given chance. We must not continue to hide them...." His voice got lost in a thunderous applause.
When the mic returned to the high table, the chairman of the session didn't find the bold outburst of Gen. Galadanci funny at all and he didn't waste words in addressing the matter. He started by saying "Let me tell you...where is the young man who spoke?" (Galadanci was still receiving handshakes and exchanging contacts with those who felt impressed by his boldness). Sure he's gotten Galadanci's attention, Governor Nyako continued... "Let me tell you, don't believe everything you read in the papers. Wallahi Tallahi, I do not have any Kobo anywhere outside Nigeria. I do not own a square meter of land anywhere outside Nigeria. The total money that came to Adamawa at that time was about 45Billion Naira. But they wrote in the papers that I stole over 150Billion Naira. How is that possible? How can one person steal more than what the state earned?" Galadanci made to say something but the former governor was louder on the speakers as he repeatedly say(with his hand pointing towards Galadanci) "A sailor is talking to you! A sailor is talking to you!! A sailor is talking to you..." until the entire hall went agog with laughter and applause.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, BoT of SABMF Gen. Galadanci said was in prison is Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger State.
It was on the day the embattled governor made his first appearance in court in Minna that this drama happened in Kaduna. Talba was billed to give a speech that day during the opening ceremonies but his message had to be delivered by the secretary of the board, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor, Kano State and former Minister for Education.
Good evening.


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