Shagari at 91, preaches peace, unity of Nigeria

Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, on Thursday admonished Nigerians to continue to uphold peace and sustainable unity in the country.
Shagari made the call at his residence in Sokoto shortly after a prayer session conducted to mark his 91st birthday.
“We should continue to live in peace with each other irrespective of our diverse religious, ethnic and cultural differences.
“God has His reasons for creating us together as a nation and our differences are aimed at cementing our unity,” Shagari said.
The elder statesman also urged leaders in the country to uphold the virtues of social justice, piety and shun greed.
Shagari’s second son, 58-year-old Ahmed Shagari, said that the family was proud to have him (Shagari) as a father.
“He has instilled discipline, dedication, self-reliance, contentment and the fear of Allah in us,” he added.
Ambassador Bala Sokoto, the Dan-Iyan Sokoto, also advised leaders in the country to emulate the sterling qualities of Shagari.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology in the state, Alhaji Bello Idris, said that Shagari has contributed immensely to national development.
“Nigerians should emulate his worthy qualities of selfless service and incorruptibility,” Idris appealed.
A former Chairman of Shagari local government council and Shagari’s relative, Alhaji Jabbi Shagari, described him as a truly detribalised Nigerian.
The prayer session was led by the Chief Imam of Shagari’s residence in Sokoto, Sheikh Abubakar Gudun.