Buhari mourns Shagari, describes him as man of unparalleled patriotism, humility
- President Buhari mourned the death of Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s first executive president
- The president described the late former president as a man of unparalleled patriotism, humility
- Buhari prayed that God would comfort the family of the ex-president and all those who mourned him
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the news of the passing away of the first executive president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
President Buhari’s condolence message is contained in a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday, December 28.
The president 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.”
He described the death as the departure of a patriot whose life of service and humility was widely acknowledged.
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President Buhari recalled part of the birthday message he (Buhari) sent to him 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.”
The president was grateful to God that Shagari lived to a ripe age and led an exemplary life, which he urged 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,’’ he added.
He prayed that almighty God would comfort the family of the ex-president and all those who mourned him and will grant the soul of the former president eternal rest.
The remains of the former president, who died at the age of 93 at the National Hospital Abuja, would be transported to Sokoto for burial on Saturday, December 29, according to Islamic rites.
Shagari was Nigerian president from 1979 to 1983 and won the second election before being dethroned by a coup d’etat that brought in Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state.
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Legit.ng had earlier reported that the news about Shagari's death was first broke by his grandson, Bello Shagari.
Bello confirmed that the second republic president, from 1979 to 1983, died at the National Hospital, Abuja, on Friday, December 28, at the age of 93 in a tweet.
“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,” he tweeted.
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Source: Legit.ng
