Shagari an epitome of integrity, forbearance, forgiveness — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was in Sokoto on Monday to condoled the family of ex-President Shehu Shagari whom he described as an epitome of personal integrity, commitment, forbearance, forgiveness and faith in God.

Obasanjo accompanied by the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the Sama road, Sokoto family house of the late Second Republic president, arrived via the Sultan Abubakar III International airport, Sokoto at about 9: 00 am.

While addressing the family through the eldest son, Muhammad Bala Shagari, Obasanjo said late Shagari was a man with simplicity, faith in God, commitment to own fatherland with interest in duty.

The former President who handed power to Shagari in 1979, recalled his days in service and closeness to late Shagari both as federal commissioners of Works and Finance respectively in General Yakubu Gowon’s cabinet described him as honest, transparent and committed Nigerian.

“I had an opportunity to work with him and immediately we were kicked out of government, I was immediately appointed Chief of Staff and had the task of managing our colleagues back to their respective places. He thanked me for making arrangement for him to get back to Sokoto.

“Shagari should not be mourned but to be celebrated as a true, honest and sincere leader who was a nationalist to the core. Nigeria has lost a gem.”

Obasanjo further recalled how late Shagari expressed surprise when the mantle of leadership was handed to him in 1979 by a military head of state which happened to be himself.

“He was a true friend indeed not a fair-weather friend.”

“His life was an embodiment of something to celebrate. We have learnt a lot from him. If we learn the lessons of forgiveness which he taught us, Nigeria will be a good country”, said the former President.

Responding, Bala Shagari thanked the former President for the condolence visit and appreciated his closeness to late Shagari.

Bala who also recalled that Obasanjo was the man who assisted their late father to have a house of his own in Abuja.

“Sir, I must say that of our family members of 9 children to late Shagari, non of us if not of recent that two have such property in Abuja. We are living his lifestyle too.”

He further ushered the former President to condole the widows.

Also, the Emir of Jema’a in Kaduna state, Alhaji Muhammadu Isah also paid a similar visit to the family where he described late Shagari as a father, patriot and symbol of a trusted leader who lived a humble life.