“We came to say Hello” said A. B. Mahmoud; “With this battalion?” replied the light hearted legal icon fondly called “Baba” by many. “Yes Sir” replied AB; “You are welcome” concluded Baba. In his characteristically jocular manner, Baba in response to the greeting from O. O. Olowokure, a member of the A. B. Mahmoud, entourage and former Chairman, Kaduna Branch, said, “We have sold you to the North”; “I am an Ambassador” replied Olowokure laughing heartily. Mahmoud SAN continued, “We came to seek your blessing on my aspiration to be President of the NBA; and I believe it was important to make the first call to your home on my arrival in Ibadan”. “I heard that you were interested” Baba quipped. “You have always been a good friend and I would love to see you as the next President of the NBA. All will be well. For the remaining 6 weeks of this campaign, do your best and ensure you make more physical engagements”. Baba, also noted clearly, “I did not endorse J. K. Gadzama. He was here to see me and that was all. I was surprised at the news in the papers after his visit”. After this warm assurance, Baba drew the entourage into the “Wine Question – To Sip or to Guzzle” and we all delved into an intriguing chat on the origin of wine, the drinking of wine at Bar Dinners, vis a vis the drinking, prohibition and abuse of wines, foods and drinks generally. In driving the points home, Baba noted that Leaders should be symbols of self discipline and self-control. We did see a very humourous side to Baba; ut above all we were all enlightened indeed. A. B. Mahmoud, SAN was also accompanied by a long list of entourage which included Dr. Garba Tetengi, MNI, SAN, Reuben James (former 3rd Vice-President, NBA), Mustapha Abubakar (former Chairman, NBA Kaduna Branch), T. Kekemeke (former Chairman, Jos Branch), Lema Wali, Ibrahim Lawal, Olusola Bamidele and Lekan Tani (of the Ibadan Branch), Dominic E. Obozuwa and Elizabeth Udosen of the Abuja Bar, Maryam Jaji of the Kano Bar, and a host of others. In conclusion, Baba, said to A. B. “You have my word; I wish you well and I know all will be well”. As the team departed … it was noted just at the base of the stairs as Baba held AB’s hand in a warm confident assurance that, that very same spot was the “…making of Imperial majesty …” Well this thought is left to be explored. … The making of the next President of the NBA we believe. The ABMahmoud Integrity Group Ibadan ]]>