By Following the announcement of the death of Nigeria’s second republic president, Shehu Shagari, yesterday 28th of December 2018, reaction has been pouring in from prominent Nigerians both home and abroad hailing the deceased and commending the exemplar life he lived.
In a Tweet by President Muhamnadu Buhari in the early hours of today, while mourning on behalf of his family and country hailed Shehu Shagari as a patriot who served his country to the best of his ability.
“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.”
“I mourn the departure of a patriot, who served Nigeria with humility, integrity and diligence. 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 tweeted.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar praised the late president as a detribalized Nigerian.
“President Shehu Usman Shagari was a completely detribalized Nigerian. He served Nigeria from his youth to the evening of his life, as a teacher & moulder of minds and later as a leader and moulder of nations.” Atiku’s tweet reads.
In reaction, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki described the late Shehu Shagari as a public servant par excellence who dedicated his life to Nigeria.
“President Shagari, was a quintessential public servant; having served in seven cabinet positions and as a legislator. He dedicated his best years in the service of our nation and its people. May Allah grant him a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus.” He tweeted.
The senator representing Bayelsa East Constituency at the Senate, Sanator Murray-Bruce referred the late president as soft spoken, humble who didn’t get enough time to transform the country totally before he was toppled.
“I met President Shehu Shagari at Dr Alex Ekwueme’s home. He was very soft spoken and humble. Nigeria would have gone far if he had not been overthrown. A great leader. He brought the Igbos back to prominence after the civil war by making one of them VP. May his soul rest in peace.” Bruce wrote.
Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dakwambo, the current governor of Gombe state while extending his condolences hailed the deceased as an outstanding politician who devoted his entire life to serving Nigeria.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the former President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, GCFR. Baba was an outstanding politician who devoted his entire life to serving our great country. A great patriot of the highest order and public servant of a rarest courage.” He expressed.
Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, sang Shagari praises using several words.
In his words “President Shehu Shagari;A Teacher,a democrat,a statesman,a nationalist,a survivor,a humble leader,a man of consensus,a peace builder,a Dove in an Eagle,a man who spoke in silence,in patience and in smile.”
Alhaji Shehu Shagari was announced dead yesterday at the National Hospital, Abuja at about 6:40 PM by his grandson Nurudeen Mahe. He died at the age of 93.
Shagari is slated to be laid to rest today Saturday 29th December 2018 in his hometown, Sokoto.
