Reps Shifts Debate On 2019 Budget Proposal To Next Week

The House of Representatives on Thursday postponed the commencement of debate on the general principles of the 2019 appropriation bill to Tuesday next week.

This is as it called on the federal government to immortalize former President Aliyu Shehu Shagari saying that he was a patriotic Nigerian who served the nation at the highest level without blemish.

It would be recalled that Speaker Yakubu Dogara had on Wednesday announced that the House will commence the consideration of the budget estimates on Thursday and, it was listed as one of the orders of the day on the order paper but the debate was however, was suspended.

The House equally eulogized the late president for his integrity and public service credentials adding that future generation of Nigerian leaders should emulate him for his selfless service to the nation.

The call was contained in a motion sponsored by the House leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla and thirty-five other, wherein he recalled that the nation woke up to hear the news of the demise of former president Alh Shehu Shagari on Friday, December 28^th, 2018 at the age of 93.

Gbajabiamila noted that he was buried on Saturday December 29th 2018 according to Islamic rites.

“He was survived by two wives, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren prominent among who is Hon. Aminu Shagari representing Yabo/Shagari federal constituency of Sokoto State in the House of Representatives.

The leader informed that late Alhaji Shagari was born on 25th February 1925 at Shagari village Sokoto State. adding that he was the sixth child of his father Aliyu Shagari who was a farmer, trader and herder.

He said that the late president was a father to all Nigerians and will be greatly missed but still be remembered as a patriotic Nigerian, bridge builder and astute politician.

Other legislators who contributed, also extolled the virtues of the ex-president and pointed to his outstanding leadership and forthrightness during his day in office.