I ALMOST GOT BEATEN BY SOLDIERS AT YUSUF BUHARI'S WEDDING.
During the wedding ceremony of Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari and his bride, Princess Zahra Nasiru Ado Bayero, anyone who attended the event would have noticed the heavy presence of security personnel.
When I arrived in Bichi, I approached one of the entrance gates and saw security officers beating people who were trying to enter. Only a few important-looking individuals were allowed through.
I observed the situation and decided to try another gate, but the situation there was no different. Whenever traditional rulers arrived with their entourages, the security officers would shout, “Only Emirs dey pass!”
I turned around and returned to the first gate.
I dressed and carried myself as though I were a senior military officer or DSS operative. I stood for a while, carefully studying the environment.
Suddenly, a delegation arrived, and the soldiers began beating its members, forcing everyone, including their leader, to retreat.
Seeing this, I quietly recited the Shahada and gathered my courage. I approached the gate confidently while the soldiers were still beating other people.
I put my fear aside and walked straight towards them.
Suddenly, I made eye contact with one of the soldiers. I nodded at him and said, “Well done, well done.”
Deep down, I was terrified that he might ask me to identify myself.
Instead, he responded, “You're welcome, sir!”
I breathed a sigh of relief and asked, “How work?”
He replied, “Fine, sir.”
Immediately, the other soldiers cleared the way for me. Maintaining a serious facial expression, I walked confidently through the gate.
Inside, there were two additional security checkpoints.
When former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan arrived, I quietly joined his entourage, positioning myself near Orubebe.
After entering their designated reception area, I noticed that almost everyone around me, about 50 people, was dressed like security personnel.
I became worried.
I stood near some people who were having a conversation. After noticing that I had remained silent for about ten minutes, one of them turned towards me and asked:
“Bros, with who you dey?”
Without hesitation, I confidently replied:
“I dey with my boss. He is inside.”
He immediately extended his hand for a handshake and said, “You're welcome.”
I shook his hand and replied, “You're welcome too.”
Shortly afterwards, I overheard some presidential protocol officers discussing the expected arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari.
They explained that once the president arrived, they would proceed to the designated venue for the wedding ceremony.
Security at that entrance was extremely tight because prominent personalities, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Atiku Abubakar, BUA's chairman, and several other dignitaries, were already inside.
When I heard this, I quickly disappeared from the area.
I returned to the entrance and stood beside the security officers, pretending to assist them in controlling the crowd.
At one point, a man attempted to pass through.
I placed my hand against his chest and demanded:
“Yeah! Who are you? Identify yourself!”
The poor man couldn't say anything.
I pointed him in the opposite direction and ordered:
“Go back!”
After spending about five minutes with the security officers, they became familiar with my presence.
I then confidently walked through the entrance without anyone questioning me.
When I finally entered the wedding venue, I saw practically everyone who mattered in Nigeria gathered in one place!
I even managed to get close to the groom, Yusuf Buhari, since he is our relative, and we exchanged warm greetings and pleasantries.
— Salmanu Rabiu Gwarzo