President Muhammadu Buhari has
directed that Nigerian flags at government buildings should fly at half-mast in
honour of the late President Shehu Shagari, who died on Friday.
In a statement on Saturday, Femi
Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said the
directive which would last for three days, will take effect from Sunday.
“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 statement read.
“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 remains of the ex-president
were laid to rest at his hometown in Shagari local government area of Sokoto.
Shagari died on Friday at the
National Hospital in Abuja. He was 93.
His remains were flown to Sokoto
on Saturday and was received Aminu Tambuwal, governor of the state, at Sultan
Abubakar III International Airport around 1 pm.
The former president was later
buried according to Islamic rites at about 3:25 pm. The funeral prayer was led
by Shehu Galadanchi, a professor.
Dignitaries at the funeral were
Sambo Junaidu, wazirin Sokoto; Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi; and Abdulaziz
Yari, governor of Zamfara; and Aliyu Wamakko, former Sokoto governor.
Boss Mustspha, secretary to the
government of the federation (SGF); Audu Ogbeh, minister of agriculture;
Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of federation (AGF); and Aisha Abubakar,
minister of trade and investment.
The SGF described the former
president as a humble leader who contributed immensely to democracy in Nigeria
and urged Nigerians to emulate his good qualities.
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