The glamorous wedding reception of the daughter of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Hauwa Bala Muhammad, and her groom, Muhammad Lawan, last Friday night, turned out to be a political rostrum where the prospects of fair polls and the country’s unity were called for by several high-brow attendees.
Among them were former Senate Presidents, Adolphus Wabara; and Anyim Pius Anyim; Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto; Godwin Obaseki of Edo; Douye Diri of Bayelsa; Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno; and Seyi Makinde of Oyo states, respectively.
Other dignitaries include some Deputy Governors, PDP NWC/BOT members led by the Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; and Sen. Walid Jibril of the BOT, respectively.
Senators and members of the House of Representatives, serving and former state legislators were also in attendance.
Former first ladies, Dame Patience Jonathan; Hajiya Titi Atiku Abubakar; current and serving first ladies as well as socialite and philanthropist, Mrs Bola Shagaya; and the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Paulin Tallen, graced the occasion along with traditional rulers, captains of industry, and others.
The venue of the reception, the International Conference Centre, Abuja, was made cosy with elaborate floral decoration, glittering lights and the serenading performance of Bayelsa-born superstar, Timi Dakolo, whose rendition heralded the grand entry of the bride and bridegroom.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the gathering, first threw the tack of brotherhood and unity of Nigerians ahead of the 2023 elections, by observing that despite their different political leanings and convictions, many of those that attended the wedding were together at the occasion “and not fighting over ballot boxes.
“It is a happy day for all as we celebrate our children,” the ex-President, who is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), noted, while appreciating the presence of the star-studded guests.
He said it was an important occasion that signifies the importance of marriage and its role in uniting many people, politics or otherwise.
He urged all Nigerians to pray for God’s blessings upon the couple.
Taking a cue from Jonathan, the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, expressed confidence that despite the usual political party rivalry that characterizes the conduct of elections in the country, “in 2023, there will be no fighting over ballot boxes because Nigerians are now wiser.”
The ranking member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), added, “From here,” the rendezvous of the lavish soiree, “the sense of togetherness exhibited should continue to guide Nigerians and the leaders,” he offered.
He thanked God, and congratulated the couple, further praying that they get the best that marriage can offer, just as he reminded them that much was now expected from them.
The distinguished women at the occasion, wives of the governors of Sokoto State, Hajiya Maryam Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; and wife of Borno State governor, Hajiya Falmata Zulum, as well as others, led by the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hadiza el-Rufa’i, said the Northern Governors’ Wives Forum doesn’t discriminate along party lines as they were collectively working for the good of the country.
In her capacity as the ‘Mother of the Day’, Mrs el-Rufa’i urged the couple who “are almost perfect,” contrary to the “pictures we have seen,” to be not just lovers but friends as well.
In his goodwill message, the ‘Father of the Day’, Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, also expressed happiness, saying, “I’m wearing agbada because I am happy. I hardly wear agbada. But I’m wearing one today because I’m happy.”
According to him, marriage was the beginning of a life-long journey in which the couple should allow their individual dreams to flourish.
“Both of you will change as time goes by. You should constantly keep calibrating the relationship. God and friendship will sustain you,” he prayed while congratulating and wishing them a happy married life.