Alhaji Shehu Shagari's.birthday

President Goodluck Jonathan and the former Head of State,
General Muhammadu Buhari, rtd, yesterday eulogised the
Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari as a
committed patriot and outstanding leader on his 90th birthday
today.
Jonathan, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming general elections
said that the present administration would continue to count
on the former President’s support and solidarity.
Also, Buhari, who is the opposition All Progressives Congress
presidential candidate congratulated Shagari, pointing out that
though his government toppled him (in a military coup in
1983), the nonagenarian has always shown some civility
towards him.
Buhari described Shagari as the “Grand Old Man of Nigerian
politics.”
President Jonathan in message prayed ‘’that Almighty Allah
will continue to bless the former President with good health
and long life,’’ saying, “It is with profound joy that I write on
behalf of my family, the Government and people of Nigeria,
and on my own behalf, to express very warm felicitations to
you.
“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty
Allah for His continued guidance, protection and provision for
you in the past ninety years of a life of forthrightness and
outstanding leadership with which He has blessed you.
Buhari felicitates with Shagari
General Buhari also, eulogised Shagari’s contributions to
national development since the colonial days saying that they
were enormous.
The message personally signed by General Buhari read,
“Although I am physically unable to be present as I am abroad
on previously arranged assignments, I wish to send my good
wishes to former President Shehu Shagari on his 90th
birthday.
“Alhaji Shehu Shagari is now the Grand Old Man of Nigerian
politics, having been in the frame of public affairs since the
colonial days.”