By Felix Nwaneri, Anule Emmanuel and Regina Otokpa
It was
drama yesterday in Sokoto as President Muhammadu Buhari wrote only his
name and date in the condolence register in honour of former President
Shehu Shagari, who passed on Friday and was buried on Saturday. Shagari,
who died at 93, was President of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983. He was
overthrown in a coup d’état that brought in Buhari to power as military
head of state, three months after he (Shagari) was sworn in for a second
term. Although the President had, on Saturday, paid tribute to the late
former president through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on
Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, he wrote only his name – M. Buhari –
and date – 30/12/ 2018 in the condolence register, when he visited the
Sama road, Sokoto residence of Shagari to condole with members of his
family. Buhari, who was accompanied on the visit by Governors Aminu
Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Senator Aliyu Wamakko and
Sokoto State deputy governor, Alhaji Mannir Dan-Iya, among others,
however, presented a letter of condolence to the family, which was read
by Tambuwal, who rode in the same car with him. But, former President
Goodluck Jonathan, wrote in the condolence register: “I called with King
A. J. Turner, Hon Tobias James, former governor of Anambra State and
now the PDP vice presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to condole with the
family and state on the death of our former president. “H. E. Alhaji
Shagari was a man with pure heart. He was a good leader who meant well
for our country. He served in various capacities and made significant
contribution to the growth and development of Nigeria.
He did his
best as a president from 1979-1983. May his soul rest in peace.”
Buhari’s visit was cheered by a crowd chanting: “Nigeria Sai Maigaskiya”
meaning Nigeria is for a truthful person. The President joined
sympathisers and family members to offer special prayers led by the
Chief Imam/Administrator of the National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Galadanchi,
for the repose of Shagari’s soul. Promising to immortalize Shagari,
Buhari said through the condolence letter read by Tambuwal that the
Federal Government will, in due course, institute a suitable memorial to
immortalize the late president.
The letter further read: “I
received the very sad news of the passing away of Alhaji Shehu Usman
Aliyu Shagari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This, indeed, is a grievous loss, which will be felt throughout
Nigeria, irrespective of any difference. The late Alhaji Shagari was a
landmark figure, being virtually our last link to the post-independence
government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the first elected
Executive President of Nigeria. “Please convey to his immediate family,
the government and the people of Sokoto State my heartfelt condolences
on the passing away of this great statesman.
“The Federal
Government will, in due course, institute a suitable memorial to the
late former president.” A source close to the Shagaris told New
Telegraph that some members of the former president’s family were not
happy that Buhari, who took away their late patriarch’s mandate in 1983,
did not deem it fit to say something about him in the condolence
register. “We had expected President Buhari to write something in his
honour. Shagari didn’t offend him, rather he was the one that took away
his mandate,” the source said. However, the eldest son of the late
president, Bala, expressed appreciation to President Buhari over
condolence visit to the family in Sokoto. Bala, who is the District Head
of Shagari town in Sokoto, told newsmen that the family was happy with
the visit and Buhari’s pledge to immortalize their father. He, however,
said he would not comment on the President’s pledge until it was
fulfilled. He added that his father had no grudge against Buhari or
anyone because he told them he had pardoned everyone. He explained that
the late president’s absence at state functions was due to his ill
health, saying that was why he stayed in Sokoto and Shagari town before
he died. He also said that the late President did not leave any will
beside the directive that he should be buried at his home, Shagari.
According to Bala, the directive was strictly observed and implemented
as his remains were buried at Shagari town on Saturday.
He
acknowledged that the Sultan had offered that the late president should
be buried at Hubbare, where Shehu Usman Danfofio was laid to rest. “We
acknowledged it, but late Shagari had told us that he should be buried
in Shagari town and even indicated a specific location, so we have to
comply with his will,” he added. Meanwhile, Jonathan, who spoke with
journalists after condoling with members of Shagari’s family, described
the late president as an amiable leader, who meant well for Nigeria. He
also said the late former president played a key role in the development
of Nigeria and the democratic system.
His words: “A unique habit
of the late former president, which only those who interacted with him
will tell is, he was a very simple and humble man in spite of the
various positions he held. “He possessed a very clean and good heart
which he showed clearly in his life time through various engagements and
activities. We are mourning today, however, we are still happy because
it is not easy to reach the age of 93. I believe he has done all the
works Allah has asked him to do on earth.” Obi, who represented the
presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, urged Nigerians to
emulate the lifestyle of the late former president for the betterment of
the country.Also paying tribute to Shagari, yesterday, National
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams
Oshiomhole, said the late former President would be remembered as a true
patriot, servant leader, fine gentleman, and epitome of humility. In a
statement in Abuja, Oshiomhole also said Shagari would be remembered as a
poet, technocrat and an elder statesman, who genuinely loved Nigeria.
“The late Shagari was a stabilising personality, who was ever ready to
lend his voice and influence when the country needed it.
The
country has indeed lost a rare-breed leader,” Oshiomhole said. The
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on its part, noted that Shagari holds a
special place in the hearts of Nigerian workers for signing the 1981
National Minimum Wage Act, which saw to an increase in workers’
salaries. NLC, in a statement signed by its president, Comrade Ayuba
Wabba, added that Shagari was committed to an improved welfare for
Nigerian workers and in making the country an industrial hub. “We
similarly hold the view that given his urbane and simple and straight
forward life style, Shagari would have built an enduring culture of
democratic succession in spite of some of the disputed elections in his
time,” the labour body stated.
Source:- Newtelegraphng
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