The hopes of friends and political associates of Sokoto Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to enjoy a lavish wedding ceremony for his new wife, Maryam Mairo-Mustapha, were dashed Friday after the couple’s families opted for a private ceremony to usher the bridegroom into her new home.
Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, took Mairo-Mustapha as second wife penultimate Friday in Kano.
A very confused associate, who made the trip to Kano from Yola, was left bemused after he was informed that the modest ceremony will involve only ladies and close family members.”This is not how Governors wed,” the associate, a former member of the House of Representatives, said.
“Even though I know situation is a bit hard in the country, I expected a ceremony befitting his status as Governor. Even though we came from far for this, we will respect his wish and pray for a matrimonial bliss for his new family.”
Reports indicate that a small number of ‘women-only’ IVs were sent out few days ago for the ceremony in Kano to prepare the IT and Oil and Gas executive for the journey to her new home.
Even in Sokoto where Tambuwal is the Governor, many were not aware of the Kano wedding. A senior female civil servant, who declined to be named, said after waiting for official notification of the wedding, they gave up and decided their presence may not be needed after all.
“We actually organised ourselves waiting to be part of the wedding activities. Some of us even prepared what to wear but yesterday (Thursday), we were told it would be a private wedding and that only family members will attend.
“What is the point of attending an event you are not invited. We didn’t begrudge the Governor. It is good he has shown to us that he is a man of modesty and we wish him success in his marriage,” the Director in one of the ministries, said.