Buhari in Sokoto, Pays Homage to Shagari

By Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) yesterday  visited Sokoto State to felicitate with the Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu  Shagari, who clocked 90 on  February 25.
Buhari, led the military coup that toppled the government of Shagari  and put the former president under house arrest for several months.

Buhari was accompanied to the Sama Road residence by Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, and other chieftains of the APC  in the state.

Felicitating with the former president, the retired General  described him as a great nationalist.
The presidential candidate told the former president that he would have loved to come along with his other colleagues as planned but for his official trip to the United Kingdom.
He said Shagari remained committed to the peace, unity and progress of this country, praying  God to continue to grant Shagari good heath, guidance and more fruitful years ahead.

"Your Excellency, my coming today is to felicitate with you over your 90th birthday anniversary. I have personally sent a letter to you informing you that I was in London and hope the letter was delivered to you.
"I would had loved to come with some of our colleagues who were here earlier but for my trip to London where I went to have some rest after campaigning in all the 36 states of the federation in addition to several townhall meetings. I pray Allah to grant you good health and more fruitful years ahead," Buhari said.

In his remarks, Wamakko described the Second Republic president as a symbol of humility, nationalism, discipline and transparency, adding that he had remained the father to all Nigerians.
Responding, Shagari thanked the APC presidential candidate and wished him success in his endeavour.
He also called on Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, progress and stability in the country.

President Goodluck Jonathan who led four former heads of state on a felicitation visit to Shagari on February 25, had tendered apology on behalf of Buhari.