President Goodluck Jonathan, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ernest Shonekon as well as heads of state, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar yesterday attended the 90th birthday ceremony of Nigeria’s Second Republic president, Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari.
The ceremony which was low-key attracted dignitaries from far and near, except for former head of state and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari who was away in London.
The guests, family members and well-wishers offered prayers for his sustained health and fatherly advice. Speaking at the occasion, General Abdulsalami Abubakar described Shagari as not only his mentor but also an adviser and a confidant whose service to the nation will forever be remembered. On his part, Ernest Shonekan, while congratulating Shagari on attaining the age of 90, said Shagari has and will continue to contribute his quota to the development of the nation.
Earlier, General Ibrahim Babangida said he was not only emotional about Shagari but also remained eternally grateful to him since Shagari was the reason for his becoming a General and even a head of state of Nigeria. Going down memory lane, IBB said Shehu Shagari was advised in 1979 that he (IBB) should be one of the officers to be kicked out of the Nigerian Army but he spared him. “In 1979, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was advised that I should be kicked out of the Nigerian Army, the reason being that I was involved in all the coups in this country. But Alhaji Shehu Shagari said no. Therefore, I want to specially thank him at his 90th birthday for allowing me to rise to the rank of a General, and to become the chief of army staff and subsequently, a military president”.
While recognising the uprightness of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Yakubu Gowon said he brought Shagari into his government as minister of finance because of his credibility. “He performed exceptionally well for this country as minister of finance in my government”, Gowon affirmed.
Taking a look at the faces around former President Shehu Shagari, President Goodluck Jonathan said he was happy because of the unity and love for the country that exist among her past leaders. “I am happy because Nigeria’s former heads of state have come together. One of my happiest days was when all the heads of state attended the Council of State meeting”. Jonathan who admitted that he was an undergraduate when Shehu Shagari was the president, said the elder statesman was simply a role model that should be emulated by all Nigerians. “It is not easy to endure 90 winters, especially in a country where attaining 50 is not even easy. Even at the age of 90, Alhaji Shehu Shagari is still very, very committed to contributing his quota to the development of Nigeria”, Jonathan observed.
Though he arrived late, coming in few minutes after the other leaders had gone, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who handed over power to Shehu Shagari, said the elder statesman has seen it all. Insisting that Nigeria is a country of paradox, OBJ said, “You have seen it all. The good, the bad and the not-so-good. When we are in power, we have a lot of people who call themselves friends but we only know true friends when we are out of power. We thank God for your life, services to the country and the ability to bear it all”.
Responding, former President Shehu Shagari, who was overjoyed, thanked Almighty Allah for his life on earth, just as he assured that he will continue to contribute his quota to the development of the country as long as he lives.
Members of the House of Representatives yesterday lauded former President Shehu Shagari as he turned 90. Some of the principal officers, who took turns to extol Shagari’s virtues, described him as an elder statesman who promoted democracy and unity in the country. The House leader, Hon Mulikat Akande-Adeola (Oyo-PDP), deputy leader of the House, Hon Leo Ogor (Delta-PDP), House minority whip, Hon Samson Osagie (Edo-APC) and deputy speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, all praised Shagari for his numerous contributions toward nation building.
Ihedioha who presided over the plenary, on behalf of the lawmakers prayed God to grant the former president and his family a long life. “He is a man who has contributed so much to our unity as a nation and humility has always remained his second name,” Ogor added. Also, the described Shagari as a true democrat. Osagie said “every known democrat must recognize Shagari. His contributions to the growth of our country cannot be overemphasized. Shagari represented a symbol of true democracy and has remained concerned that Nigeria remains democratic,”.
Similarly, the Northern States Governors Forum has congratulated Alhaji Shehu Shagari on the occasion of his 90th birthday. The forum’s congratulatory message is contained in a press statement signed by the chief press secretary to its chairman and governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Israel A. Ebije. The governors said the former president will be remembered for his patriotic perspective on national issues. He praised Shagari for great wisdom in contributing to the country’s unity and development.
He said the former president represents the best Nigerians can hope for adding that his perspective on national issues is patriotic, his disposition towards personal issues regardless of how they affect him civil, adding that he has remained relevant in affairs of the nation with positive contribution. Aliyu who prayed God grant Alh. Shagari many more years has urged him never to relent in his God given role of mediating on national issues. He said Nigeria needs his wise counsel. He said his fountain of knowledge is indelible as the country moves towards critical political time where conflicting issues, fragmented interests and competing sentiments have become the trend.
“Former President Shehu Shagari has always made us proud, he has over the years left indelible mark as a patriot who see Nigeria first before himself. He has managed to stay away from controversies and live above parochial interests.” “It is therefore my prayers that he live long enough to continuously help with his wealth of experience. We need his contribution on national discuss especially now that Nigeria is managing social, political and economic challenges.”
