Reps Pay Tribute To Shagari, Colleague

Following his death and burial, the House of Representatives on Thursday paid tribute to the late President, Alh. Shehu Shagari and one of its members, Abayomi Ayeola, who died of ill-health during the Christmas break.

House leader, Femi Gbajabiamila and 35 others during the tribute session at plenary, sponsored a speech which eulogized the late former president.

According to the speech read by Mr. Gbajabiamila, the late Shagari will be greatly missed but would be remembered as a patriot, bridge builder, astute politician with an infectious moral discipline, and more importantly, a teacher.

On his part, Speaker Yakubu Dogara described late Shagari as a great man.

Mr. Adamu Chika (APC, Niger), on his part, noted that late Shagari despite having been overthrown by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari never altered negative comment about government in public. He, therefore, suggested that the popular Eagle Square be named after him.

Other lawmakers like Mr. James Faleke explained that the late Shagari ensured that industrialization is the way forward for Nigeria.

The late former president Shehu Shagari was born on the 25th of February, 1925 at Shagari Village in Sokoto State. He died and was buried on Saturday, December 29th, 2018 according to Islamic rites.

He is survived by two wives, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, prominent among which is Mr. Aminu Shagari who represents Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency of Sokoto State in the House of Representatives.

Not forgetting their late colleague, Mr. Ayeola, lawmakers like Wale Raji and Rotimi Agunsoye (APC, Lagos) described him as a good man that will be greatly missed by all.

Late Ayeola who until death represented Ibeju-Lekki federal constituency since 2011, was also described by other lawmakers as a leader per excellence and a man who has respect for all.

They, however, maintained that his death is a wake up call for all reminding that, humans are just passers-by on earth.