By Rukayatu Abubakar (Society Matters Reporter)
Political friends and foes, including society’s eminent dignitaries, gathered at the weekend to grace the highbrow wedding of Aliyu Atiku Abubakar, son of Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Fatima Nuhu Ribadu, daughter of former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, as they become husband and wife.
The colourful wedding was held on Saturday in Abuja at the residence of the bride’s father, Nuhu Ribadu. Dignitaries exchanged warm pleasantries at the occasion and rejoiced with the families of the newly wed.
The occasion which began at exactly 1130am, was chaired by Sheikh Ibrahim Ali Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
Former governor of Kano State governor and a serving federal lawmaker, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, arrived the venue of the occasion amidst cheers from his ubiquitous political supporters and in company of the father of the groom, Atiku Abubakar, shortly after the wedding kicked off.
As the ceremony progressed, the bride’s hand was formally asked in marriage, on behalf of the Atiku Abubakar family by retired General Aliyu Gusau, a former National Security Adviser and Defence Minister. A dowry of N250,000 had already been paid by the groom’s family.
Nigerians from diverse works of life from across the country were fully present at the event which includes both Atiku and Ribadu. Among them, were the national leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan.
Others are the former Osun state governor and interim chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande; former secretaries to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Babagana Kingibe and Mahmud Yahyale Ahmed; some state governors, top officials of government and close friends of the groom and bride’s families. NNL.
