Flood of tributes as Shagari is laid to rest

…Obasanjo, PDP, Ambode hail ex-president

The remains of former President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari was yesterday laid to rest at his country home in Shagari town, Sokoto State, after a funeral prayer attended by thousands of sympathisers from across the country. His body arrived the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto at about 1:30pm via a private jet and was conveyed to Shagari for the funeral rites. The funeral prayer performed at his residence was led by Professor Shehu Galadanci prior to the final burial at about 3:30pm.

Those at the funeral prayer included the eldest son of the deceased and District Head of Shagari, Bala Shagari, federal government delegation led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Gida Mustapha, Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika and his Agric counterpart, Audu Ogbeh.

Also at the funeral were Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar and Atiku Bagudu of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States, Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, Minster for State, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, former Governors of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim, Barrister Mukhtari Shagari,  Deputy Governor of Sokhoto state, Alhaji Manir Dan Iya and Senator Aliyu Wamakko among numerous members of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the death of the Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari,  described the deceased as a “unifying force for Nigeria.” Obasanjo who said he has a heavy heart over the demise of Shagari said the contributions of the deceased to growth and development of democracy in Nigeria cannot be easily forgotten.

Obasanjo said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to say how deeply grieved I was to hear of the death of His Excellency President Shehu Usman Shagari. On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I wish to commiserate with you, the entire members of his family and the good people of Sokoto State over the passing of this humble, patriotic, amiable and notable Nigerian leader.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed deep sadness over the passing of foremost nationalist, describing his death as a national tragedy. The party described late Shagari as “a man of peace, an exceptionally honest Nigerian, outstanding leader, quintessential administrator and a symbol of national unity, who made immeasurable sacrifices for the development, unity and stability of the nation.”

“The PDP is therefore, deeply sorrowful that President Shehu Shagari took his bow at the time our nation needs his wealth of experience the most, particularly in the quest to restore good governance, national cohesion and economic prosperity that have eluded us in almost four years”, the statement added.

The opposition party said in, President Shehu Shagari remained a political colossus. It urged the National Assembly to further immortalise him, by mandating the Federal Government to name a foremost national institution after Shagari.The PDP commiserated with the Shagari family, the government and people of Sokoto State, the Council of State and the entire nation for the irreparable loss and prayed the Almighty Allah to grant him eternal rest.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday expressed sadness over the demise of the first executive President of Nigeria and elder statesman, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.Shagari, who was the first and only President of Nigeria’s Second Republic from1979 to 1983, died on Friday in Abuja at the age of 93. Governor Ambode described the late Shagari as a complete gentleman, a thorough bred democrat and philanthropist per excellence who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth and development.

“The late President lived an exemplary life; he was a democrat and a fine gentle man whose idea of power was that of being a tool to serve his fatherland and humanity. He was an elder statesman in the true sense of the word. He was also a detribalized Nigerian who was committed to the course of a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria. He believed so much in all inclusive governance and was one of those patriotic Nigerians who contributed in laying the foundation of a sustainable democracy in Nigeria,” Governor Ambode said.

While commiserating with the family of the late elder statesman, the Governor urged them to uphold the ideals he stood for, saying that the nation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times. His demise, just like that of our heroes past, must never be in vain. There can be no better time to unite together to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria. On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Alhaji Shehu Shagari on this great and irreparable loss. He was a pride to our country and we will surely miss him,” Governor Ambode said.