By Dwelleth Morountodun
Nigeria’s Second Republic President, Alh.Shehu Shagari, on Friday succumbed to death according to reliable information source reaching SHARPEDGENews Online at the ripe age 93.
He was born in February 25, 1925 in Shagari village, Sokoto, North-western, Nigeria.
Before his electoral victory in 1979, in a contest which involves arch political rivals Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, he had held several ministerial positions, among which was the Federal Commissioner for Finance between 1971 and 1975.
He was known to a detribalized Nigerian with a strict disciplinarian background having worked as a professional teacher before delving into politics.
His nephew and former Minister of Water Resources for 6 years, Alh Mukhtar Shagari, could not be reached for comment on the death of his uncle, who sources say his death was as a result of old age. Mukhtar Shagari phone could not connect as the time of this report and also no reversal to the SMS sent to him.
However, reacting to his death in Abuja, a human rights lawyer, Mr. Frank Titie, while recollecting the visible foot print of the late president said, he will be remembered for his strict adherence to the rule of law.
Tietie, said: “He was a gentleman of repute and a stickler to orderliness, as Nigerians will always eagerly await his budget presentation to the National Assembly always on January 1st of every year.”
According to him, his administration witnessed peace, healthy debate and stability at the National Assembly and had good rapport with the President of the Senate Joseph Wayas and his House of Representative counterpart Umezuoke.
Of most memorable, according to the right activist, is the fact that Shagari obeyed court order during the illegal deportation of Shugaba out Nigeria with the payment of the fine leveled against federal government.
He was likened to the immediate former president Goodluck Jonathan by Arc. Charles Okafor, who added that both willingly relinquished power, stressing that both men’s political trajectories were blocked and shut by the same who is the president of Nigeria.