Nigeria: Ibrahim - How I Made the Abduction of Dikko Known to British Government

13 July 2014

Foremost politician, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, is arguably one of the most respected leaders in northern Nigeria today. A man who relishes the stronghold of what he calls the "invisible government", Ibrahim knows the value of political power and the nature of its various applications. This is a fact that has made him a household name in the country as well as other far flung places of the globe. In this encounter with Emmanuel Bello, he took a trip down memory lane to recall and shed light on his role in the abduction saga of Umaru Dikko and how Shagari was made President, among other issues

With friends in high and low places, Isyaku Ibrahim is clearly a godfather of sorts. But as you drive into his humble abode in the upscale area of Asokoro, Abuja, you cannot but be touched by Ibrahim's humility. The famous man who singlehandedly bankrolled the election of President Shehu Shagari, likes to welcome his guests by receiving them at the door. And his guests are always around - from students, to industry leaders and powerful men of the northern intelligentsia. As you step into his sparsely furnished room, you get the feel of history with some fading but elegant pictures telling stories of times gone by. An imposing picture on the table depicts a smiling Ibrahim as himself and members of President Shagari delegation bask in the euphoria of the posh White House during a state visit. "That wasn't my first visit to the White House," he once told me. "I have been there three times on my own as a guest," he would say with a contented smile.

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