Osinbajo Greets Shagari @92
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday congratulated former President and elder statesman, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, on his 92nd birthday.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, it said Osinbajo joins other well wishers of the former president in celebrating “former President Shagari’s selfless service, leadership and steadfast commitment to the advancement of Nigeria, over the years.”
Describing Shagari as a man of peace who has continued to advance the unity, peace and prosperity of Nigeria, the presidential spokesman said Osinbajo “believes that the patriotism, principles and the lofty values the former President displayed throughout his public life as a teacher, politician, parliamentarian, president and now as an elder statesman, make him one of the foremost national leaders of our time.
“The Acting President is confident that the honesty and strength of character with which former President Shagari has been known, will continue to be a source of inspiration. While wishing the nonagenarian many happy returns of the day in good health and joy, Prof Osinbajo’s prayers for the former President is that as his days are, so shall his strength and favour be.”
Shagari was born on February 25, 1925 in Shagari town in Sokoto State. He won election on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was sworn in as the first Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on October 1, 1979. Shagari was, however, dethroned in a military coup headed by then Major-General Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 1983.
