Alhaji Bala Shagari, eldest son of late former President Shehu
Shagari, says his Dad forgave President Muhammadu Buhari before his
death on Friday, December 28, at the National Hospital in Abuja.
On December 31, 1983, Shagari, who had just won a second term in office, was sacked from the throne by a band of soldiers.
Then Major General Muhammadu Buhari was immediately named by the coupists as Shagari’s replacement.
General Muhammadu Buhari took over power from President Shehu
Shagari after a military coup in December 1983. (Nigerian archives)
Leaders of the coup cited official corruption
on a grand scale and a worsening economy as reasons why they kicked
Shagari out of Dodan Barracks, Lagos—at the time Nigeria’s seat of
power.
Bala Shagari toldthe News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his father held no grudges against Buhari for the coup, before his death.
Buhari pays condolence visit to the Shagari home (Presidency)
“My father told us that he had pardoned everyone (including Buhari)”, Bala said.
Shortly after his death, Buhari described Shagari as
“a patriot, who served Nigeria with humility, integrity and diligence.
Nigerians held him in the highest esteem even when he was out of office,
until his demise, and will forever miss his wise counsels”.
The president has also promisedto immortalize Shagari.
“The Federal Government will in due course
institute a suitable memorial to the late former President. May his
soul rest in peace”, Buhari said.
On Sunday, December 30, 2018, Buhari led a delegation to Shagari’s home for a condolence visit.
Buhari signs condolence register at the home of the Shagaris (Presidency)
Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s first executive president, was born on February 25, 1925. He was 93 years of age when he died.
He has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.