Mallam Aminu Kano after the 1966 counter coup was a minister in the Gen Yakubu Gowon Military Government.
Gowon trusted and often relied on his wisdom when confronted with a herculean decision making. He usually asked Mallam what his opinion was before making conclusion on matters.
This attracted a lot of jealousy from other politicians serving in the same cabinet.
A few of them therefore plotted to bring him down by souring the relationship between Gowon and Mallam Aminu Kano.
As part of the plot they went to his house and gave him 25 thousand Pounds Sterling. Mallam as expected asked what was the money for.
The leader of the plot responded by telling Mallam that the money was his own share of the proceeds of a contract already executed for less of the contract sum.
So they decided since it was festive period, the amount might help the ministers take care of some important personal financial matters.
Mallam collected the money but did what was the best thing to do at that moment and forgot about the matter without mentioning it to anyone.
Then when the council of ministers chaired by Gowon at meeting, the Head of State repeated what the other ministers considered as preferential treatment towards Mallam.
Gowon turned to Mallam who all along was attentive and quiet at the meeting and asked him; Mallam what do you think?”
It was a bomb shell explosion.
The jealous ministers were livid with anger and confronted Gowon with their displeasure on this behavior of asking Mallam his opinion before taking a final decision in the Council on most crucial matters.
They told Gowon that it was wrong to think that Mallam was the cleanest in the Council.
Their spokesman went ahead and narrated, and gave full account of how “Mallam” himself also received sleaze money from them, with date, time and all other details.
The Council was so quite for few moments in shock of the “exposure”.
Then Gowon later found his voice and courageously asked Mallam; ” is that true?”
Mallam Aminu who had not lost an iota of his equanimity and composure replied lightly; “yes it’s true, these people gave me money and I collected it.
But let’s consult the bank (he named the bank) to find out in whose name that same amount was lodged on the date and time, just a short while after the money was given to me by these ministers”.
After the necessary investigation, it was discovered that Mallam Aminu went and lodged the money in the Federal Government account and was given a receipt for same which Mallam tendered before the Council and the bank
corroborated Mallam’s account of what transpired between him and the bank.
Gowon stood up in awe for Mallam and hugged him and dropping tears to express his elation.
Then a standing ovation for the saintly politician rancourously filled the air in his praises and eulogy.
Culled from Biography of Mallam Aminu Kano
