by Musa Abdullahi
The presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), on Saturday visited Sokoto state to felicitate with the Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who clocked 90 on February 25, describing him as a great nationalist.
For 3 decades after overthrowing his government, Buhari who is seeking an election this month finally visits Shagari in Sokoto . THISDAY Newspaper reports that Buhari was accompanied to the Sama road residence of Shagari by Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko and other chieftains of the APC in the state.
He told the former president that he would have loved to come along with his other colleagues as planned but for his official trip to the United Kingdom.
He described Shagari as a great nationalist who had remained committed to the peace, unity and progress of this country.
NewsWireNGR recalls that Shagari won the 1979 election with the help of his campaign manager, Umaru Dikko. The campaign had the support of many prominent politicians in the North and among southern minorities. The party’s motto was “One Nation, One Destiny” and was seen as the party best representing Nigeria’s diversity.
Shagari was overthrown by General Muhammadu Buhari in a military coup on December 31, 1983 and in which one of the senior officers who planned the coup, Brigadier Ibrahim Bako, died under murky circumstances.
But Buhari today in Sokoto prayed God to continue to grant Shagari good heath, guidance and more fruitful years ahead.
“Your Excellency, my coming today is to felicitate with you over your 90th birthday anniversary. I have personally sent a letter to you informing you that I was in London and hope the letter was delivered to you.
“I would have loved to come with some of our colleagues who were here earlier but for my trip to London where I went to have some rest after campaigning in all the 36 states of the federation in addition to several townhall meetings. I pray Allah to grant you good health and more fruitful years ahead,” Buhari said.
In his remark, Wamakko described the Second Republic president as a symbol of humility, nationalism, discipline and transparency, adding that he had remained the father to all Nigerians.
Responding, Shagari thanked the APC presidential candidate and wished him success in his endeavour.
He also called on Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, progress and stability in the country.
