President Muhammadu Buhari has once paid tribute to the
late President Shehu Shagari and directed that the national flag and
other flags should fly at half-mast in military and para-military
formations as well as public buildings for three days, starting from
Dec. 30.
In a statement personally signed by him, Buhari declared: “The
late President represented almost the last link with the government of
our founding fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.
“The late Alhaji Shagari was a
man of many parts: teacher, local authority administrator, politician,
minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication
and moderation.
“Over the years, through interaction at
the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each
other, whatever the differences we may have had in the past.
“On behalf of the Federal Government,
myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria,
particularly to the late President’s family and the government and
people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State had declared Monday, Dec. 31 a
public holiday to enable residents offer special prayers for the repose
of the soul of Shagari, who died at the age of 93 and has since been
buried in his home town according to Islamic rites.