Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of
Lagos State on Saturday expressed sadness over the demise of the first
executive President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
Shagari, who was the first
and only President of Nigeria’s Second Republic from1979 to 1983, died on
Friday in Abuja at the age of 93.
Ambode, in a statement by
his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, described the late Shagari as a
complete gentleman, a thorough bred democrat and philanthropist per excellence
who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth and development.
“The late President lived
an exemplary life; he was a democrat and a fine gentle man whose idea of power
was that of being a tool to serve his fatherland and humanity. He was an elder
statesman in the true sense of the word.
“He was also a detribalised
Nigerian who was committed to the course of a united, indivisible and
prosperous Nigeria.
“He believed so much in all
inclusive governance and was one of those patriotic Nigerians who contributed
in laying the foundation of a sustainable democracy in Nigeria,” Ambode said.
While commiserating with
the family of the late elder statesman, the governor urged them to uphold the
ideals he stood for, saying that the nation will continue to draw inspiration
from his life and times.
“His demise, just like that
of our heroes past, must never be in vain. There can be no better time to unite
together to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
“On behalf of the
government and people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt
condolence to the family of Alhaji Shehu Shagari on this great and irreparable
loss. He was a pride to our country and we will surely miss him,” Ambode said.
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