Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described former President, Shehu Shagari, as a quintessential public servant.
Reacting to the death of the former president in a tweet, Saraki said, “My family and I join the entire nation to mourn the passing of former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who led our nation in the Second Republic.
“President Shagari was a quintessential public servant, haven served in seven cabinet positions and as a legislator.
“He dedicated his best years in service of our nation and its people.
In his own reaction, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, described the late president as a “democrat by nature, orientation and conviction.”
Reacting from Enugu, Ekweremadu said: “I received with a heavy heart the news of the passing on of the Second Republic President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
“He was a democrat by nature, orientation and conviction.
“He was a patriot par excellence, a detribalised elder statesman, bridge-builder, servant-leader, and an epitome of humility, who served the nation and humanity most creditably.
“In and out of office, Shagari clothed the office of the President with decorum and social grace.
“I, therefore, send my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and good people of Sokoto State, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the nation over this irreparable loss.
For former Senate president, David Mark, Shagari’s death is a huge loss to the nation.
Mark, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, said Shagari’s death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
He described the late former president as “a rare leader who believed in the sanctity of one indivisible Nigeria that must not be compromised no matter the odds,” adding, “He worked for the peace and unity of Nigeria. He was a man with a large heart and was ever conscious about the well being and welfare of the citizenry”
Also mourning the demise of the former president Shagari, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, described him as “a father and true democrat.”
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, he said: “We have lost a father, man of peace, true democrat, patriot and a nationalist.
“He led an exemplary life of service to God and country worthy of emulation. He was a president for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or region.
“His demise is a big loss to Nigeria and all lovers of democracy on the African continent.
“His death came at a time we are in dire need of his elderly wisdom and counsel as we navigate the most challenging pace as a nation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, especially his eldest son, Rep Aminu Shagari, who is our colleague in the House of Representatives, the people of Sokoto state, the Sultanate Council and government of Sokoto over this irreparable loss.
Similarly, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah noted that the death of Shagari marked a major milestone in the life of the country.
“The great man lived well and God rewarded him with a long life. The late President was a committed patriot, dedicated to the building of a peaceful and democratic Nigeria.
“In his pursuit of dialogue, he was the first Nigerian leader to invite the Pope to visit our country in 1982, thus, laying the moral foundation for his Ethical Revolution.
“He left a legacy of humility and dedication.
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“On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, I extend my condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, of Sokoto State and his immediate family,” kukah said.
They all prayed God to grant rest to the former president.
The former leader was born Feb. 25, 1925 in Shagari town in Sokoto State.
After his early education, he worked as a teacher for a brief period before entering politics in 1951.
In 1954, he was elected to the House of Representatives.
He served seven times in a ministerial or cabinet post as a federal minister and federal commissioner from 1958–1975, before he was elected president in 1979.
His death was announced on Friday by one of his grandsons.