By Henry Omunu, Abuja
House of Representatives on Thursday paid glowing tributes to late President Shehu Shagari and urged the federal government to immortalize him, describing the former first executive President as a patriotic Nigerian who served the nation at the highest level without blemish.
Also, the lawmakers eulogized the former president for his integrity and public service credentials, saying that incoming generation of Nigerian leaders should emulate him for his selfless service to the nation.
In a motion sponsored by the House Leader Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and 35 other lawmakers, the House urged the federal government of Nigeria to immortalize the former president.
Gbajabiamilla in his lead debate said that the nation woke up to hear the news of the demise of former President on December 28, 2018 at the age of 93.
He said that the former President was survived by two wives, children, grand children and great grand children prominent among which is Rep. Aminu Shagari representing Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency of Sokoto state in the House of Representatives.
The House Leader said that late Shagari was born on February 25, 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 further declared that the late President graduated from Teachers Training College, Zaria, Kaduna state and began a teaching career , a profession he loved so much at Sokoto Province between 1953-1958.
Shagari, he added started his political career as Secretary of Northern Peoples Congress in Sokoto between 1951 -1956 and was elected as member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Sokoto West in 1954 and in 1958.
He added that he was the presidential candidate of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and in 1978 was elected President of the Nigeria and was re-elected in 1981 for a second term his overthrown in a military coup on December 31,1983.
The lawmaker said said that Alhaji Shagari 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 lawmakers also spoke in like manner, eulogizing the ex-President for his outstanding leadership qualities and forthrightness during his time in office.
Consequently, the House presided over by the Speaker Yakubu Dogara adopted the motion with a voice vote asking the federal government to immortalize his name.
The Speaker equally condoled the government and people of Sokoto State, the Shagari family and government and people of Nigeria over the death of the former President.
