Shagari: How Buhari, OBJ, Tinubu, Others Mourned Late Ex-President

The death of Nigeria’s first and only Second Republic President, Shehu Shagari, on Friday, has drawn reactions from prominent Nigerians who have been sending commiserations to the family of the late former president and the government of Sokoto State.

Shagari, it was learnt, passed away at the National hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

 

– Nigerians Will Miss Shagari’s Wise Counsels: President Buhari –

Mourning him, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed sadness over Shagari’s demise but thanked God that the ex-president lived to a ripe age and whose exemplary life is worthy of emulation.

Buhari 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.

“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.

– Shagari Lived Nobly And Died In Nobility: Obasanjo –

Also mourning Shagari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo extolled his role in Nigeria’s pre- and post-independence politics and described him as a humble, patriotic, amiable and notable Nigerian leader.

In his condolence message to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state on Saturday, Obansanjo said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to say how deeply grieved I was to hear of the death of His Excellency, President Shehu Usman Shagari.

“On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I wish to commiserate with you, the entire members of his family and the good people of Sokoto State over the passing of this humble, patriotic, amiable and notable Nigerian leader.

“He held various positions as a parliamentarian in the Federal House of Representatives representing Sokoto West in 1954, as a Parliamentarian Secretary 1958-1959, as a Federal Minister and Commissioner in different ministries and capacities between 1959 and 1975.

“I remember his role as Commissioner for Finance, while he and I served in the government of General Yakubu Gowon. He was thorough.

“And later, I saw him as my successor in government as a democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983.

“In all his national assignments, he was forthright, dedicated and showed great commitment in the discharge of his duties.

“He was a unifying force for the nation and his contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria cannot easily be forgotten.

“In all situations, he lived nobly and he died in nobility.

“President Shagari died at a time the country and its leadership is in dire need of such leadership, experience and wisdom to tackle the multi-faceted challenges facing the nation.

“While expressing our sympathies to you, the family of the deceased and the government and people of Sokoto State, we pray the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and give comfort to all those he left behind,” Obasanjo said.

– Shagari Wore Integrity On His Collar Like A Badge Of Honour: Tinubu –

Former Lagos state governor, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Shagari as “a decent man and a statesman, who believed in and worked for the unity of this country.”

Tinubu said, “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.

“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.

“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.

The former governor prayed that, “May our country be blessed with more of people like President Shagari.”

– Shagari Died At A Time We’re In Dire Need Of His Elderly Wisdom: Dogara –

On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara said with Shagari’s demise, the nation has “lost a father, man of peace, true democrat, patriot and a nationalist,” whose elderly wisdom is badly needed now.

Dogara said, “His demise is a big loss to Nigeria and all lovers of democracy on the African continent.

“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,” said the Speaker.

– Shagari A Detribalised Elder Statesman, Bridge-Builder And Servant-Leader: Ekweremadu –

Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, expressed deep grief over Shagari’s demise, describing it as “a heavy loss to the nation.”

Ekweremadu said, “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,’’ said the Deputy Senate President.