A former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has called on Nigerians to emulate late President Shehu Shagari’s virtues of forgiveness and forbearance.
Obasanjo who was at the Sama road residence of late Shagari to condole with his family, described him as an epitome of personal integrity and simplicity who was committed to his fatherland.
He recalled that they both served as Federal Commissioners during Yakubu Gowon’s regime during which he proved his honesty and transparency.
“Late Shagari should not be mourned but to be celebrated as a true, honest and sincere leader who was a nationalist to the core; Nigerians has lost a gem,” Obasanjo said.
The former President also revealed how he handed over to his “true friend” in 1979, saying if Nigerians could learn lesson from his habit of forgiveness, they would live in peace with one another.
Responding, the eldest son of the late Second Republic President, Bala Shagari, expressed appreciation for Obasanjo’s visit and recalled that Obasanjo assisted their late father to own a house in Abuja.
Other dignitaries that condoled with the family included a former Vice President, Namadi Samabo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, the governors of Kaduna, Bauchi and Katsina states as well as the national chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus.
They all prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest.
