FORMER PRESIDENT SHAGARI IS BURIED
The dignitaries at the burial ceremony included Wazirin Sokoto, Sambo Junaidu , Governors of Kebbi and Zamfara States, Atiku Bagudu and Abdulaziz Yari, Yahaya Abdudkarim, Sokoto Deputy Governor, Manniru Dan’iya, Aliyu Wamakko, Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Mera.
Penpushing further reports that, the federal government delegation was led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustspha, Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and Minister of Commerce, Trade and Investment, A’isha Abubakar.
The Secretary to the Federal Government in his remark described the deceased as a humble leader who contributed immensely to democracy in Nigeria, and encouraged Nigerians to emulate his good qualities and condole the people of Sokoto State and Nigerians in general.
Similarly, Governor Tambuwal in his condolence messages condoled the family describing the death as a great loss and prayed Allah to grant him eternal bliss, adding that the deceased was a national and international statesman, who made unparalleled contributions to the development of education, as a teacher at a basic level and as president of Nigeria.
The Governor affirmed that the administration of the late Nigerian leader witnessed social and economic advancement, setting the pace for the nation’s industrialisation, particularly through the establishment of the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill.
Penpushing further reports that, Tambuwal pointed out that the deceased government played a frontline role in the independence of Zimbabwe in 1980 and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, while on his own part, Wamakko of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Sokoto recalled the agricultural programme – the Green Revolution – by the deceased.
The chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) described Shagari’s death as a great loss, especially his sterling virtues of unrivalled humility, piety and patriotism.
Penpushing recalled that Shagari was President of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983, but his government was toppled three months into his second term by the then military ruler, Muhammadu Buhari, who is now Nigeria’s President.
The late Shagari was born February 25, 1925, in Shagari in Sokoto State, and after his early education, he worked as a teacher for a brief period before entering politics in 1951,while in 1954, he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives.
Penpushing further reports that the deceased held the traditional title of Turakin Sokoto and is survived by several children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. He served seven times in a Ministerial or cabinet posts as a Federal Minister and Federal Commissioner from 1958–1975, before he was elected President in 1979.
Penpushing also reports that, the General Commanding Officer (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Stevenson Olabanji, led the military processions at the funeral.
