President Muhammadu Buhari has extolled the many virtues of the first Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari whom he said lived to ripe age before he died today, Friday at the National Hospital, Abuja.
The President, who expressed pressed great sadness over his death, is however, grateful to God that Shehu Shagari lived to a ripe age and led an exemplary life, which he advised 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.”
In a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President described the death as the departure of a patriot whose life of service and humility was widely acknowledged.
Buhari recalled part of the birthday message he sent to Shehu Shagari in February this year, 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 prayed that Almighty God will comfort the family of the ex-president and all those who mourn him and will grant the soul of the late nonagenarian eternal rest.
Also, the Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar expressed shock at the death of the former President, describing him as patriotic Nigerian whose life was a pattern of good works.
Atiku said that late Shagari was a completely detribalised Nigerian who 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.”
