IT’S OFFICIAL, ALHAJI SANI AHMED SALISU IS RETIRING
It was a day that held much anticipation in the air as the ThisDay Dome Event Centre was bubbling with activities with event organizers going in and out in preparation for the event of the day. Everyone was talking of how the big wigs in the country will be attending the retirement party of Alhaji Sani Ahmed Salisu, the outgoing Director of Finance of the State Security Service. Alhaji Salisu decided to hang his boots at the age of 60 to focus on his family and businesses. It was an event that most were looking forward to.
Alhaji Salisu is a man one wouldn’t accredit much power to seeing as the nature of his job requires secrecy and discretion but, with his track record as the most effective Director of finance the service has ever had, those in the corridor of power were surprised he was retiring at the age of 60. Most believe he still had a lot to offer the country through his service but accepted his resignation anyway.
Before becoming a director in the service, he had served in the Nigerian Army and after leaving the army, he joined the State Security Service and to date, he is one of the longest-serving directors of the SSS and one who accomplished a lot during his tenure as a team lead.
So, it was no wonder why people could be seen running helter-skelter already as early as 6 am to ensure that everything was fully in place because the man has paid his dues and deserved to be honoured in a manner befitting a king. Alhaji is a man that is respected and commands a lot of power with most of the most influential people in the country in his corner. As a team leader, he has built long-lasting relationships and formed allies with some of the big wigs in the country thus, making him a man highly revered. This was a gathering of dignitaries, and the incumbent President of Nigeria who was expected at this ceremony sent a representative who gave the presidential remark commending Alhaji Salisu for his diligent service to the country.
One of the first dignitaries to arrive at the ceremony was the Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. A.B. Dambazau. He arrived with his convoy. The convoy was at least up to 20 cars long. The Nigerian army arrived with style and a normal person would be very intimidated at their sheer presence.
Sirens were wailing, soldiers were directing the traffic. No one dared move against their orders as they were all equipped with all manner of whips and rifles. Most of the soldiers were towering above the civilians and all vehicles had to stop moving to allow the Chief of Army Staff to get to his destination. The Chief of Army Staff eventually took his seat while he was surrounded by soldiers that were standing at attention throughout the ceremony.
The next dignitary to show up was Aliko Dangote, the richest Blackman in the world. While his convoy was modest in comparison to the size of the Chief of Army staff, it was nonetheless impressive. Dangote’s convoy screamed Magnificence straight at onlookers. His limousine was luxurious and he moved with grace as he emerged from it. His emergence was quieter but was not in any way modest
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral l U.O. Jibrin and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh arrived just about the same time. Their Convoys were just as impressive as the Chief of army staff. Their entrances were also accompanied by a brief parade by their naval officers and air
A special place was prepared for former presidents, vice presidents, and heads of state that were invited though couldn’t be physically present but sent their representatives. It was a gathering of the who-is-who / crème-de-la-crème and the celebrant made sure everything was top notch with nothing lacking. Everyone was dressed in their Regal Native attires, smiling, jubilating, and socializing with each other.
Tony Elumelu (Chairman of UBA), Folorunso Alakija (Richest Woman in Nigeria), and many other big names were present at the ceremony. It went on to show Alhaji’s clout as they all took time out of their busy schedules to honour his invitation.
Alhaji Salisu came in a manner that held everyone’s attention, he was flanked by his wives and children, dancing with a huge smile on his face, knowing he was the center of attention. His securities were on high alert and barely left his side. One could catch a flicker of his wives’ expensive jewelries from time to time, even though they were all covered from head to toe in the traditional purdah. His children ranged in age from babies to adults and they all looked happy, despite their large number. They were ushered into their reserved area that could accommodate about a hundred people, while Alhaji went to the high table to be with his distinguished guests.
The ceremony was also attended by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim, who during his speech encouraged and charged Alhaji Salisu to continue to contribute his quota towards surmounting threats to lives and property within his domiciled area. The CDS said he did not doubt that the number of people that owe Alhaji Salusi due to his service, his influence will not diminish even after retirement. And that they will always be just a phone call away and he should never feel alone.
After the CDS’ speech, a number of dignitaries were also given an opportunity to address the invitees and the thread running through most of the speeches was how much Alhaji would be missed and his sphere of influence.
The party was the talk of the town and most tabloids were present to cover the event. The fanfare at the ceremony was one the nation won’t forget in a hurry because Alhaji spared no expenses when it came to his retirement party. He made sure everything needed to make his guests comfortable was provided.
The floor was thereafter open for everyone to dance and have the time of their lives with plenty to eat and drink. Even though this was a farewell party, once could tell that it wasn’t a permanent farewell.
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