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Buhari, Jonathan, Dankwambo, Saraki, Dogara, Others Pay Tribute To Shehu Shagari

The Oasis Reporters

December 29, 2018

Nigeria mourns ” a Democrat of distinction”, Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the demise of a former President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari.

Mr Shagari, 93, died Friday evening at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness.

The death of the elder statesman was announced by his grandson, Bello Shagari, via his Twitter handle.

In a statement signed by the president’s special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, Mr Shagari described the death as the departure of a patriot whose life of service and humility was widely acknowledged.

“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 Friday in Abuja,” he said.

President Buhari restated part of the birthday message he sent to the late ex-president 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.”

“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 said.

Former President Jonathan Mourns Shagari, ‘He Was A Nation Builder With A Good Heart’

Former Nigerian President Dr.Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the family of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the people of Sokoto State over the demise of the nation’s Second Republic President, describing him as a nation builder who cemented a good relationship between the North and South.

Ex-President Jonathan stated this in a tribute to the nation’s first executive President, noting that Shagari was a patriot who placed service to humanity and fatherland above personal interest.

In a statement by Ikechukwu Eze, the former President’s spokesman, Dr. Jonathan further described Shagari as a nice man with a clean heart who was sincere and selfless in service.

He said: “Late President Shagari was a very nice man with a clean heart. As a President he was humble, sincere and selfless in service. He was indeed a true democrat who left no one in doubt about his loyalty to his country, love for peace, desire for unity and vision for a greater Nigeria.

“Shagari was an exceptional leader and exemplary statesman whose modesty, commitment to common good and deep sense of patriotism will continue to inspire many generations of Nigerians.

He will be remembered as a teacher, parliamentarian and President whose model of service was anchored on diligence, broad-mindedness and humility.”

Greg Abolo

Blogger at The Oasis Reporters.

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