Shagari’s death is a heavy loss to Nigeria -Ekweremadu

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed deep grief over the passing on of the Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

Ekweremmadu said on Friday in Enugu that Shagari’s death was a heavy loss to the nation.

He noted that the late elder statesman was a “sage and democrat”.

“I received with a heavy heart the news of the passing on of the Second Republic President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

“He was a democrat by nature, orientation and conviction.

“He was a patriot par excellence, a detribalised elder statesman, bridge-builder, servant-leader, and an epitome of humility, who served the nation and humanity most creditably.

“In and out of office, Shagari clothed the office of the President with decorum and social grace,’’ he said.

Ekweremadu said although the late elder statesman lived to a ripe age of 93, his wealth of experience and treasury of wisdom would still have been most invaluable in the quest to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

“I, therefore, send my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and good people of Sokoto State, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the nation over this irreparable loss.

“May God grant his soul eternal repose,” he said.

Meanwhile, TRACKNEWS.NG previously reported that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Saturday, December 28, described the death of former President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari, as the end of an unforgettable era and a national loss.

Victor Oye, National Chairman of APGA, said in Awka that Shagari was an iconic politician who played politics with fineness, candour, integrity and without bitterness.

He said the elder statesman’s reign as president of Nigeria from 1979 to 198 was one of the most peaceful and progressive in the annals of the country.