Alhaji Shehu Shagari. |
Former President, Shehu
Aliyu Usman Shagari was the specimen of a patriotic Nigerian whose life was a
pattern of good works. A completely detribalised Nigerian, he served Nigeria
from his youth to the evening of his life, first as a teacher and moulder of minds
and later as a leader and moulder of nations.
His election as the
first executive President of Nigeria on October 1, 1979 brought relief to the
nation and began the process of ending tribal politics, especially as he
brought the Southeast into the political mainstream by naming Dr. Alex Ekwueme
as his running mate.
After his unplanned
and untimely departure from office, he continued to devote his time and effort
to nation building through the elder statesmanly role he played, including
during my time in office as Vice President.
We shared a lot in
common. Like me, he held the official title of Turaki, a position of great
trust. And like myself, he believed in empowering the masses, which he did
through his Green Revolution.
President Shagari was
meek and gentle, yet had a firm resolve and these traits led to the golden age
of Nigeria’s diplomacy under his leadership.
He was led by the
power of love, rather than the love of power, as evident from the fact that he
never craved political office. Power came to him because of his character.
Those who knew him reported that he had only one motive for being in office -
service. He will be greatly missed.
May his soul rest in
peace and may Almighty Allah grant him al-janna Firdaus.
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