President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of the First Executive President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari.
In a condolence message sent through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday, the President described Shagari as a patriot whose life of service and humility was widely acknowledged.
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 recalled part of the birthday message he had sent to Shagari last February where 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.”
Buhari expressed gratitude to God that Shagari lived to a ripe age (93 years) and led an exemplary life, urging Nigerians of all walks of life to emulate him.
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“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 former president and all those who mourn him and will grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.
Shagari, who took over from the military government of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, was president from 1979 to 1983 and won second election before being sacked by a coup d’etat that brought in Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state.
The remains of the former president would be buried in Sokoto on Saturday according to Islamic rites.
