Saint John — Provincial dignitaries are preparing to roll out the red carpet for the recently announced royal visit by His Highness Prince Isam Ahmed of Nigeria, whose flotilla will be docking at berth 27 of the Port of Saint John on Sept. 3.
The prince, who is the youngest brother of the late Rega Bakoh, nephew of Mrs. Miriam Abacha, widow of the late General Sanni Abacha, is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest men. Ekal Beli, the prince’s foreign ambassador, states that His Highness has received many generous gifts from Canadian citizens over the years, thanks to the prince’s tireless letter-writing campaign, and he wishes to thank them by presenting the city with a personal message.
The message reads, in part: “MY FAMILY AND I WISH TO SEEK YOUR ASSISTANCE IN TRANSFERRING THE SUM OF THIRTY FIVE MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS ONLY (US$35,000,000) OUT OF NIGERIA AND INTO YOUR TRUSTED BANK ACCOUNT ABROAD.
IS REST ASSURED THAT THERE IS NO RISK INVOLVED SINCE I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF EVERYTHING HERE IN NIGERIA.
I WANT YOU TO IMMEDIATELY INFORM ME OF YOUR WILLINGNESS IN ASSISTING SO THAT I CAN SEND YOU FULL DETAILS OF THIS TRANSACTION.”
Peter McLean, port manager, and Sherri Ellis, city comptroller, are both confident that Prince Ahmed’s visit will be a memorable one for the many naïve New Brunswickers travelling from all over the province to meet him.