Former Nigerian military President, retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, today, Friday, gave his daughter, Halimat, in marriage to a Gombe traditional ruler, Alhaji Auwal Abdullahi, from whom he collected N500,000 and 10 cows as part of the bride price.
The groom is the Sarkin Sudan of Gombe, in Gombe state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gen. Garba Wushishi performed the symbolic ceremony of handing over Halimat in marriage to Abdullahi whereas Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo of Gombe state received the bride on behalf of the groom, who hails from the state.
Sheik Kabiru Gombe offered special prayer for the couple, stressing the significance of marriage in Islam and called on the bride to submissive and loyal to her husband.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, including his wife, Patience led the galaxy of big political and military figures that graced the occasion..
APC National Leader Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai; Mrs. Aikhomu, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, ex-governor Babangida Aliyu were among the many personalities who witnessed the short ceremony at the Hilltop home of the retired military General in Minna, the Niger State capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Minna that among the guests were former vice-president, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, PDP factional Chairman, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, former Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Zamafara state.
Others were Isa Yuguda, former governor of Bauchi state, Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa, Ibrahim Shema, former Gov. of Katsina, Alhaji Abubakar Dakingari, former Gov. of Kebbi.
Others in attendance were Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Justice Idris Kutigi, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Yayale, also a former SGF, Gen. Magoro, Senator Ben Obi, Senator Ben Bruce, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Haruna, Chairman IBB Golf Club, Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura,
Also prominent among the guests at the ceremony were businessman, Aliko Dangote and Mr. Mark Snoxell, Managing Director, Dornier Aircraft.
General Aliyu Gusau, who served several times as National Security Adviser (NSA), Dr. Okwezili Nwodo, former PDP National Secretary, Alhaji Modibo, former FCT Minister, Oba Hamid Adekunle, Oluwo Kuta, also came.
Others were Air Marshall Hamza Abdullahi, Gen Garba Duba, Sen Aliyu Wamakko ,Sen Yarima Abdullahi, Sen Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sen Nuhu Aliyu, who was also a former police DIG.
NAN. [myad]
