The remains of Nigeria’s Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, were laid to rest on Saturday at his hometown in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Shagari died on Friday at the age of 93 at the National Hospital, Abuja.
His remains were received by Governor Aminu Tambuwal at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport Sokoto about 1 p.m.
He was later buried according Islamic rights in his house about 3:25 p.m.
The funeral prayer was led by Prof. Shehu Galadanchi and dignitaries that attended included Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, as well as Governors of Kebbi and Zamfara States, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu and Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, respectively.
Others were Alhaji Yahaya Abdudkarim, Sokoto Deputy Governor, Alhaji Manniru Dan’iya, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mera.
The Federal Government delegation at the funerals was led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustspha, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and Minister of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Hajia A’isha Abubakar.
Mustapha described Shagari as a humble leader who contributed immensely to democracy in Nigeria.
The SGF enjoined Nigerians to emulate his good qualities and condole the people of Sokoto State and Nigerians in general.
The General Commanding Officer (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, led the military processions at the funeral.
In his condolence messages, Tambuwal condoled the family of Shagari, people of Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.
Tambuwal described the death as a great loss and prayed Allah to grant him eternal bliss.
He said Shagari was a national and international statesman, who made unparalleled contributions to the development of education, as a teacher at basic level and President of Nigeria.
He said Shagari’s administration witnessed social and economic advancement, setting the pace for the nation’s industrialisation, particularly through the establishment of the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill.
He said that Shagari’s Presidency played a frontline role in the independence of Zimbabwe in 1980 and the anti apartheid struggle in South Africa.
Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto) also recalled the agricultural programme – the Green Revolution – by Shagari.
He described Shagari’s death as a great loss, especially his sterling virtues of unrivalled humility, piety and patriotism.
Prayers were offered to the departed soul and the SGF extended federal government’s condolences to deceased family, people of Sokoto and Nigerians at large.
The deceased held traditional title of Turakin Sokoto and is survived by several children and grand children and great grand children.
Shagari was President of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983 and was toppled three months into his second term in office following a military coup.
The former leader was born February 25, 1925 in Shagari, Sokoto State.
After his early education, he worked as a teacher for a brief period before entering politics in 1951.
In 1954, he was elected to the House of Representatives.
He served seven times in a ministerial or cabinet posts as a Minister and Federal Commissioner from 1958–1975, before he was elected President in 1979.
He won a disputed re-election in 1983 that accelerated a military coup three months later after he was sworn in and the economy was on a precipitous decline.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the passing away of Shagari.
Buhari’s condolence message is contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday.
The President said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Nigeria, it is with immense sadness that I received the news of the passing away of the First Executive President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari which event happened on Friday in Abuja.”
He described the death as the departure of a patriot whose life of service and humility was widely acknowledged.
President Buhari recalled part of the birthday message he (Buhari) sent to him last February when he said, “ we are enthralled and regaled with the many years of unequalled patriotism, sacrifices and contributions to national development.
“More specifically, we celebrate the role modelling qualities of integrity, diligence and humility that have been the hallmark of your visionary leadership.”
The President was grateful to God that Shagari lived to a ripe age and led an exemplary life, which he urged Nigerians of all walks of life to emulate.
“Nigerians held him in the highest esteem even when he was out of office until his demise and will forever miss his wise counsels,’’ he added.
He prayed that almighty God would comfort the family of the ex-president and all those who mourned him and will grant the soul of the former president eternal rest.
Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family.
Babangida, one of the military officers that toppled Shagari’s administration in December 1983, issued a statement of condolence, in which he also described Shagari as the “quintessential public servant who was “Beckoned to Serve”.
Shagari was just three months old in his second term when the military officers removed him in a bloodless coup and cut short the Second Republic.
“My heart and prayers go to his Family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sokoto Caliphate and Sokoto state”, Babangida wrote..
” Nigeria and indeed Africa has lost a statesman and democrat whose wisdom, counsel, presence and experience and his sterling qualities of honesty and transparency are needed in these very trying moments of our national life.
“President Shehu Shagari was a great patriotic leader and an accomplished gentleman, at first a teacher, an administrator, a technocrat and an honest decent unassuming simple Nigerian Leader.
“He will be remembered for his tolerance and politics of peace without bitterness.
” President Shehu Shagari was a nationalist who never showed any discrimination due to ethnicity or religion and was a very dependable bridge builder.
“To keep his memory alive Nigerian politicians and indeed all fellow Nigerians must put to practice all his ideals of peace and party politics without rancour, irrespective of any form of provocation.
Babangida urged all persons vying for political offices to emulate him and keep alive the political principles of the late Turakin Sokoto.
“I pray for the repose of his soul in Jannatul Firdaus. I pray that the entire nation, his Family, Sokoto State and indeed the Sokoto Caliphate will accept his passing with equanimity”, Babangida added.
In his condolence message, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said: “Former President Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari was the specimen of a patriotic Nigerian whose life was a pattern of good works. A completely detribalised Nigerian, he served Nigeria from his youth to the evening of his life, first as a teacher and moulder of minds and later as a leader and moulder of nations.
“His election as the first executive President of Nigeria on October 1, 1979 brought relief to the nation and began the process of ending tribal politics, especially as he brought the Southeast into the political mainstream by naming Dr. Alex Ekwueme as his running mate.
“After his unplanned and untimely departure from office, he continued to devote his time and effort to nation building through the elder statesmanly role he played, including during my time in office as Vice President.
“We shared a lot in common. Like me, he held the official title of Turaki, a position of great trust. And like myself, he believed in empowering the masses, which he did through his Green Revolution.
“President Shagari was meek and gentle, yet had a firm resolve and these traits led to the golden age of Nigeria’s diplomacy under his leadership.
“He was led by the power of love, rather than the love of power, as evident from the fact that he never craved political office. Power came to him because of his character. Those who knew him reported that he had only one motive for being in office – service. He will be greatly missed.
“May his soul rest in peace and may Almighty Allah grant him al-janna Firdaus”.
Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said Shagari was a quintessential public servant.
Saraki, whose reaction came in two tweets via his verified Twitter handle, said the late elder statesman “dedicated his best years in the service of our nation and its people.”
He said, “My family and I join the entire nation to mourn the passing of former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who led our nation in the Second Republic.
“President Shagari was a quintessential public servant, haven served in seven cabinet positions and as a legislator.
“He dedicated his best years in service of our nation and its people.
“May Allah grant him a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, said Nigeria had lost an “icon of transparency” in the late Shagari.
Dogara in a condolence message to Nigerians, described the late former president as a ”true democrat and a father of the nation”.
He added that in his lifetime, Shagari was a ”father, a man of peace, a true democrat, patriot and a nationalist.
“He led an exemplary life of service to God and country worthy of emulation, he was a President for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion, and region.
“President Shagari led Nigeria with dignity and honour and respected the independence of the legislature and judiciary in the second republic under the defunct National Party of Nigeria.
“His demise is a big loss to Nigeria and all lovers of democracy on the African continent.”
Dogara said that when anti-democratic forces truncated Shagari’s government in 1983, the late former president took it in good faith and continued to play the role of an elder statesman and father without grudges or bitterness.
“His death came at a time we are in dire need of his elderly wisdom and counsel as we navigate the most challenging pace as a nation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, especially his eldest son, Rep. Aminu Shagari, who is our colleague in the House of Representatives, the people of Sokoto State, the Sultanate Council and government of Sokoto over this irreparable loss.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Dogara added.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, expressed deep grief over the passing on of Shagari.
Ekweremmadu said in Enugu that Shagari’s death was a heavy loss to the nation.
He noted that the late elder statesman was a “sage and democrat”.
“I received with a heavy heart the news of the passing on of the Second Republic President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
“He was a democrat by nature, orientation and conviction.
“He was a patriot par excellence, a detribalised elder statesman, bridge-builder, servant-leader, and an epitome of humility, who served the nation and humanity most creditably.
“In and out of office, Shagari clothed the office of the President with decorum and social grace,’’ he said.
Ekweremadu said although the late elder statesman lived to a ripe age of 93, his wealth of experience and treasury of wisdom would still have been most invaluable in the quest to build the Nigeria of our dreams.
“I, therefore, send my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and good people of Sokoto State, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the nation over this irreparable loss.
“May God grant his soul eternal repose,” he said.
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described Shagari as a statesman, patriot and political stabiliser who served the country well in different capacities.
In a statement by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman, in Lagos, Tinubu said that Shagari, who entered politics in 1951, served the country in different capacities and served well.
He said that late Shagari particularly helped in advancing the country ‘s democracy and had the temperament for good leadership.
”Former President Shehu Shagari was a decent man and a statesman, who believed in and worked for the unity of this country.
”He served Nigeria in different capacities – administrator, provincial secretary, House of Representatives member, minister in several ministries and president – and in each capacity he did excellently well.
“He contributed his quota to the growth and development of the country.
”In the Second Republic, as the first executive president, his was a moderating voice, a stabilising factor.
”Even within the defunct NPN, with all its reputation, he was of a different type. He wore integrity on his collar like a badge of honour, ” he said.
Tinubu said that late Shagari’s background as a school teacher, his maturity and moderation helped to mould his politics.
“He was true and pure. He was humble and humane. He led a Spartan way of life. He was modest and unpretentious. Truthful and sincere. He was generally a good man.
“He saw the good qualities of his political opponent, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he gifted him the highest honor in the land, the GCFR award, ” he said.
Tinubu commiserated with his family, associates, Tambuwal, the government and people of Sokoto State.
”Although we never wish our elders leave us, it is nonetheless pleasing that President Shagari left us at an advanced age.
”My condolences to his family and associates. Our prayer is that Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Fridaus.
”May He also grant the family the strength to live without him and to carry on with President Shagari’s legacies of commitment to national unity and excellence in service.
“I commiserate with Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the government and people of Sokoto State. I commiserate with the Muslim Ulamma in Nigeria and the world.
“May our country be blessed with more of people like President Shagari, ” Tinubu said.
The family of late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme expressed their condolences over the death
Ekwueme was Shagari’s deputy from 1979 to 1983.
Ekwueme’s first son, Goodheart Obi Ekwueme, said this in a statement on behalf of the family and the entire people of Oko in Anambra State.
He described Shagari as “an eptitome of high moral leadership”, having meritoriously served Nigeria without any blemish whatsoever, a virtue he evidently shared with his late Vice, Dr Ekwueme.”
The Ekwueme family noted that Shagari had the most cordial working relationship with his Vice President and both had greater hearts of service for the nation.
“They were more Nationalistic in their work relation and even though they both had different religious backgrounds, they were not polarized by the issues of religion and tribe.
They were first and foremost Nigerians before Christians or Muslims, Fulani or Igbo. They were both selfless,” the family said.
The family recalled that Shagari demonstrated his humility in his message through his son, Aminu Shagari, at Ekwueme’s burial, where he said he chose him as his Vice President because of his impeccable integrity and character.
Shagari through his son had said, “I’m not here to give undeserved praises on Ekwueme, whatever I say here I have told him so in his life.
“I never thought his last birthday was his last though he was younger than me.
“Death is a certainty and we will all face it one day.
“I chose him because he came across as a man of impeccable integrity and character.
“We worked harmoniously because we had the same vision.
“He was a deputy I trusted and mischief makers could not drive a wedge between us.
“His character remained impeccable. Even in death his achievements cannot be diminished.”
The Ekwueme family also expressed gratitude to God that Shagari lived to a ripe age and led an exemplary life, and urged Nigerians of all walks of life to emulate him.
“We pray that Almighty God will comfort the family of the ex-president and all those who mourn him and will grant his soul eternal rest, ” the statement said.
National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae, described Shagari as an outstanding leader that eschewed all forms of discrimination, ethnic, tribal and religious sentiments.
Falae in statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, on Saturday in Abuja, said that it grieved his heart that Nigeria had lost yet another eminent personality, elder statesman, former President and and one of the most outstanding leaders the country had ever produced
He said that he received with heavy heart the sad and shocking news of the death of Shagari, whose demise occurred on Friday in Abuja after a short illness
“On behalf of the SDP family, I wish to express our heart felt sympathy to the entire family of the deceased and the country at large for this monumental loss.
“As an elder statesman, the Late Shagari during his life time, led an exemplary lifestyle that eschewed all forms of discrimination, ethnic, tribal and religious sentiment.
“This was reflected in the great role he played in the emancipation of Zimbabwe and the fight against apartheid in South Africa decades ago.”
Falae also said that the deceased was a great patriot who fought hard not just for peace and unity of this country but was instrumental to social economic development of this country.
“As the First Executive President of Nigeria, the late Shagari distinguished himself with act of selflessness during his services to the nation.
“Right from the National Assembly where he first served as a representative for his home in Sokoto province and in his capacity as Minister in various offices before becoming president in the 1979 elections, he proved himself as a worthy leader until his government was overthrown in 1983 after he won a second term in a coup led by Muhammadu Buhari in eve of the new year.”
Falae said that Late Shagari would be remembered for his patriotism, sacrifices and contributions to national development.
“His integrity, diligence to duty and exemplary leadership style would continue to be a reference point whenever the history of Nigeria is being relived.
“He will be missed greatly. We pray the Almighty God to grant his soul rest in the great beyond and his family as well as the entire country the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) described the death as the end of an unforgettable era and a national loss.
Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of APGA, said in Awka, Anambra State that Shagari was an iconic politician who played politics with fineness, candour, integrity and without bitterness.
He said the elder statesman’s reign as president of Nigeria from 1979 to 198 was one of the most peaceful and progressive in the annals of the country.
Oye called on contemporary politicians to emulate Shagari’s humility and honesty in leadership.
According to the national chairman, Shagari was a strong believer of technology as major driver of economic development,adding that he had a vision to make the country a truly global competitor.
“I was personally present as he discussed the expansion of PRODA with the agency’s director then, Prof. Gordian Ezekwe.
“Unfortunately, Shagari’s plan to advance the cause of Nigeria’s technological development was aborted by the December 31, 1983 coup,” Oye said in a statement.
Oye called on the Federal Government to sustain the vision of the late President by devoting more resources to research in order to promote technical and technological education in the country.
He urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late former president by naming a national monument after him, in spite of the fact that some institutions already bore his name.
Oye said APGA condoled with the federal government and people of Nigeria, while praying to God to grant his soul eternal repose.
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State said that the death “signifies the country’s loss of one of its last great statesmen standing”.
This is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran, on Saturday in Katsina.
Masari described the late leader “as one of the leading conscience of the nation, who lived an exemplary life defined by uncommon simplicity, in the tradition of the late Premier of the North and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“The former President Shehu Shagari was a rare gem, and his death has created a wide leadership chasm that may take a long time to fill.
“His death is particularly devastating, coming at a time when our nation, buffeted by multi-faceted challenges, requires his wise counsel.’’
He expressed his condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of himself, the government and people of Katsina state.
The Katsina State governor called on Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the deceased’s “book of life” and lead a simple life devoted to service to the people in whatever position they found themselves.
He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Shagari his sins and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State expressed sadness over the demise of Shagari.
Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Habib Aruna, described the late Shagari as a complete gentleman, a thorough bred democrat and philanthropist per excellence who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth and development.
“The late President lived an exemplary life; he was a democrat and a fine gentle man whose idea of power was that of being a tool to serve his fatherland and humanity. He was an elder statesman in the true sense of the word.
“He was also a detribalised Nigerian who was committed to the course of a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria.
“He believed so much in all inclusive governance and was one of those patriotic Nigerians who contributed in laying the foundation of a sustainable democracy in Nigeria,” Ambode said.
While commiserating with the family of the late elder statesman, the governor urged them to uphold the ideals he stood for, saying that the nation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.
“His demise, just like that of our heroes past, must never be in vain. There can be no better time to unite together to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Alhaji Shehu Shagari on this great and irreparable loss. He was a pride to our country and we will surely miss him,” Ambode said.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State described the death as a huge loss to the nation.
Oyetola also commiserated with the family members, the people and government of Sokoto State and Nigerians.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Adeniyi Adesina, on Saturday also described the former president as a man of honour, who lived a life worthy of emulation.
The governor said Shagari demonstrated politics without bitterness.
Shagari awarded the country’s highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to the then leader of opposition Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in 1982, Oyetola said.
He said although the honour was reserved for only presidents/heads of state, Shagari recognised the contributions of the late sage to nation building by his non-partisan action.
Oyetola said that that the late ex-president maintained a dignified posture and respectability out of office.
He urged contemporary politicians to emulate the attributes of the late former president.
He said that Shagari served the country diligently and to the best of his ability in various capacities from the pre-independence era during the first republic.
He also served as the President of the country between 1979 and 1983, Oyetola said.
He prayed that God would grant the Shagari family and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the huge loss
Former Abia State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Orji Kalu, lamented the passing of Shagari.
Describing the late Turaki Fula of Sokoto Caliphate as a true leader, Kalu urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the impeccable attributes of the late Alhaji Shagari.
Kalu while acknowledging the noble contributions of the deceased to nation building, commiserated with the Sultanate Council, the government and people of Sokoto State and the Shagari family on the painful loss.
In a condolence message personally signed by the former governor, he extolled the virtues of the late President, adding that the nation has lost a strong advocate of peace and unity.
He said, “I was devastated when I heard the news of the demise of former President Shehu Shagari.
“He played laudable roles in the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
“The late Alhaji Shagari offered objective and unbiased advice on national issues.
“He was a true believer in a united and indivisible Nigeria.
” The late elderstateman was not only a role model but a pillar of support to his peers and the younger generation.
“The late Alhaji Shagari, will be greatly missed because of his extraordinary humility and patriotism.
“Our prayers go to the Shagari family at this difficult time”.
While urging the Shagari family to uphold the exemplary qualities of their late patriarch, Kalu, prayed to Allah for the repose of the soul of Shagari.
Former Senate President, David Mark, described the demise as a huge loss to the nation.
Mark, in a statement in Abuja, noted that Shagari’s death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
He said that late Shagari was a rare leader who believed in the sanctity of one indivisible Nigeria that must not be compromised no matter the odds.
“He worked for the peace and unity of Nigeria. He was a man with a large heart and was ever conscious about the well being and welfare of the citizenry,” he said.
The former Senate President added that Shagari demonstrated uncommon leadership skill during his stint as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , pointing that he ensured fairness and equity in the distribution of amenities across the country .
“Even after he left office, Shagari continued to offer useful advice to the younger generation of leaders all in the bid to ensure a better Nigeria.
He observed that Shagari left at a critical time when the nation needed his wisdom and knowledge to navigate through the murky political waters in the land.
Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, Umar Bago, described the late Shagari as a charismatic elder statesman who contributed positively to the nation’s socio-economic and political development.
“Late Shehu Shagari had a unique passion for providing solutions to governance for the country. His demise was a big loss to the political scene in Nigeria.
“Indeed Nigeria and Nigerians will greatly miss a political master that championed the course of green revolution and Shagari housing estates across the country ,” he said.
Bago, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Niger State, extended his condolences to the immediate family of late Shehu Shagari ,Sultan of Sokoto and government and people of Sokoto state.
Also, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah said the death of Shagari marked a major milestone in the life of the country.
“The great man lived well and God rewarded him with a long life. The late President was a committed patriot, dedicated to the building of a peaceful and democratic Nigeria.
“In his pursuit of dialogue, he was the first Nigerian leader to invite the Pope to visit our country in 1982, thus, laying the moral foundation for his Ethical Revolution.
“He left a legacy of humility and dedication.
“On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, I extend my condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, of Sokoto State and his immediate family,” Kukah said.
Former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, also described the death as a great loss to the nation.
Babatope said on Saturday that the country had just lost a tolerant and peace-loving leader in Shagari.
He said when the deceased was president in the second republic under the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), he tolerated scathing criticisms from the opposition and those who did not believe in his government.
Babatope said when he was the spokesman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the main opposition party at that time, he could not remember anytime Shagari clamped down on any politician with opposing views.
“Shagari was a nice and gentleman. He was a great leader and democrat, a model of politics without bitterness.
“I belonged to the UPN and he was president under the platform of the NPN, but I can tell you that Shagari did not have any problem with anybody because of his political views.
“There was no clampdown on anybody under his government and the kind of politically-motivated killings we have nowadays were almost absent.
“Even, Pa Awolowo, an opposition leader, highly regarded him because he was a peace loving leader who abhored violence. I can tell you that because I was the spokesman of UPN.
“The nation has lost a quintessential leader, a true nationalist and statesman; he will be remembered for all the good things his name represents”, he said.
Babatope urged politicians to emulate the deceased Nigerian leader by tolerating people of different political views or affiliations.
He said that the 2019 elections would be totally devoid of problems if the political class and ordinary Nigerians imbibe Shagari’s values of politics without bitterness and respect for rights.
Babatope prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss .
All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Shagari as one of the few living heroes of Nigeria’s democracy whose counsel and guidance had helped to sustain the unity and benefits of the diversity of the country.
“On behalf of my family and my political clan, I commiserate with the Shagari family and all Nigerians on such a great loss of one of the founding fathers of Nigeria, a democrat and nationalist of high repute. We, therefore, at this moment of grief, pray to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
“President Shagari was a quintessential advocate of justice and peace who believed in the unity and progress of our dear country. It is really unfortunate to lose a nationalist like him at this period when the country needs the wise counsel of a patriot like him.”.
Sanwo-Olu added that the new generation of politicians must rise up to the challenge of preserving the legacies of President Shagari and commit themselves to the higher ideals of public service which the former Nigerian leader exemplified as a teacher, parliamentarian, cabinet Minister and as the first elected President of Nigeria.
“It’s our duty to make Nigeria stronger, greater and better by making public service about welfare of the people. This is certainly one of the remarkable ways to immortalise President Shagari and other great founding fathers of this country”.
