Shagari as an iconic elder statesman

As the nation mourns the demise of former President Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari (GCFR), Nigeria’s frontline Islamic faith-based organisation, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), has urged all Nigerians to remember him for his service to the nation.

The executive chairman of MPAC, Kamor Disu, in his condolence message to the nation on the death of the former president, acknowledged that his uprightness shone through his work and many legacies.

Since Shagari’s second tenure was terminated through a military coup, he retired from active politics and only played advisory roles.

According to the head of the MPAC, “The late Alhaji Shagari should be remembered for the great service he rendered to the nation at a time democracy in Nigeria was truly in its infancy. The former president was an iconic elder statesman whose uprightness shone through his works and many legacies.

“We mourn the loss with complete submission to Allah and joy that he lived a fulfilled life in the service of the nation.  May Allah grant him forgiveness, light up his grave and admit him to Al-Jannah Firdous.’’

Abdulwarees Solanke is the director, Media and Strategic Communications, MPAC, Nigeria.