By Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Senate
President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has described the late Second Republic
President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari as a man of peace who dedicated the
greater part of his life to the service of the fatherland.
Saraki,
in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his Media Adviser, Yusuph
Olaniyonu, noted that Shagari would be remembered for his immense
contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the
country as well as his peaceful disposition.
He
also commiserated with the immediate and larger family of the
deceased, the government and people of Sokoto State, and the entire
country over the loss of the former President as he stated that: “let’s
be consoled by the fact that Alhaji Shagari lived his life in the
service of God and country.”
“My
family and I join the entire nation to mourn the passing of former
President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who led our nation during the Second
Republic. He was a quintessential public servant; having served in seven
cabinet positions and as a legislator. He was the first elected
President who was Chief Executive of the country. He dedicated his best
years in the service of our nation and its people and will be dearly
missed.
“He
was a man who worked for the unity of Nigeria and stabilized the
country during the 50 months of the Second Republic despite the
challenges of the then new presidential system of government operated by
the country. Since his exit from power, he has remained a silent beacon
of strength for the country”, the Senate President stated.
He
prayed Allah to grant the soul of the late former President a place
among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus and his family, loved ones
and the entire country the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.