…Want him immortalized
From Jonas Ike, Abuja
The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to immortalize former President of Nigeria Alhaji Shehu Shagari saying that he was a patriotic Nigerian who served the nation at the highest level without blemish.
The House also eulogized the former president for his integrity and public service credentials saying that incoming generation of Nigerian leaders should emulate him for his selfless service to the nation.
In a motion sponsored by the House Leader Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla and thirty-five other lawmakers, the House urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to immortalize the former president.
Gbajabiamilla while debating the motion noted that the nation woke up to hear the news of the demise of former president Alh Shehu Shagari on Friday December 28th 2018 at the age of 93.
He further noted that he was buried on Saturday December 29th 2018 according to Islamic rites.
According to him, he was survived by two wives, children, grand children and great grand children prominent among which is Hon. Aminu Shagari representing Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency of Sokoto State in the House of Representatives.
He informed that House that late Alh Shehu Shagari was born on 25th February 1925 at Shagari village Sokoto State. He added that he was the sixth child of his father Aliyu Shagari who was a farmer, trader and herder.
He further hinted that he graduated from Teachers Training College in Zaria, Kaduna State and began a teaching career , a profession he loved so much at Sokoto province between 1953-1958.
He also said that he started his political career as Secretary of Northern Peoples Congress in Sokoto between 1951 -1956 and was elected as member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Sokoto West in 1954 and in 1958.
He added that he was the Presidential candidate of National Party of Nigeria NPN and in 1978 was elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also said that he was re-elected in 1981 for a second term of four years but was overthrown in a military coup on December 31,1983.
The lawmaker said said that Alhaji Shagari was a father to all Nigerians and will be greatly missed but still be remembered as a patriotic Nigerian, bridge builder and astute politician.
Other lawmakers also spoke in like manner eulogizing the ex-president for his outstanding leadership and forthrightness during his day in office..
Consequently, the House presided by the Speaker Hon. Yakubu Dogara adopted the motion with a voice vote asking the Federal Government to do something to immortalize his name.
The Speaker equally condoled the government and people of Sokoto State, the Shagari family and government and people of Nigeria over the loss of the former President.