Condolence messages have continued to pour into the family of the departed elder statesman, Alhaji Shehu Shagari who passed onto eternity on Friday, December 28.
Shagari, the second republic president from 1979 to 1983, died at the National Hospital, Abuja at the age of 93.
His grandson, Bello Shagari, who confirmed this tweeted “I regret announcing the death of my grandfather, H.E Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who died right now after brief illness at the National Hospital, Abuja.”
Among prominent Nigerians who commiserated with the bereaved family was President Muhammadu Buhari, the man who once overthrew Shagari’s government in 1983.
“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,” said Buhari in a statement issued through spokesman Femi Adesina.
Buhari called Shagari’s death “the departure of a patriot whose life of service and humility was widely acknowledged,” and recalled his “unequaled patriotism, sacrifices and contributions to national development.” He praised Shagari’s integrity and diligence in 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,” Buhari said.
Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto governor offered his condolences,“Nigeria during the presidency of Shehu Shagari … played a front line role in the emancipation of Zimbabwe and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.”
“His administration witnessed the advancement of Nigeria socially and economically, setting the pace for the industrialization of the nation.”
The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed deep grief over the passing on of the Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
Ekweremadu described the death as “a heavy loss to the nation”, noting that the late politician was a “sage, democrat, and statesman”.
Writing on his social media handles @iamekweremadu, the Senator said: “I received with a heavy heart the news of the passing on 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 per 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, Alhaji Shagari clothed the Office of the President with decorum and social grace”.
“I, therefore, send 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 concluded.
Shagari who hailed from Shagari village, Sokoto State entered Nigerian politics in 1951 after a teaching career and first served in the National Assembly as a representative for his home in Sokoto province. He served in a number of ministerial offices before becoming president in the 1979 elections.
The former president is survived by a number of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be buried on Saturday, December 29.
