President Goodluck Jonathan has written to congratulate Nigeria’s first democratically-elected Executive President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, as he celebrates his 89th birthday, Tuesday.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President, in the letter addressed to Shagari, praised him for his continued dedication to the unity and well-being of the nation.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I write to felicitate with you as you celebrate your 89th birthday anniversary.
“May Almighty Allah ceaselessly prosper you and bless you with robust health as you continue to give of yourself in the service of our dear nation,” President Jonathan wrote.
Jonathan also conveyed assurances of his highest consideration and warm personal regards.
Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, Turakin Sakkwato (born February 25, 1925) served as the President of Nigeria’s Second Republic (1979–1983), after the handover of power by General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government. Shagari is a northerner of Fulani extraction and holds the aristocratic title of Turakin Sakkwato in the Sokoto Caliphate. He worked as a teacher for a brief period before entering politics in 1954 upon his election to the federal House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, the President has also written to commiserate with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero on the death last Friday of the Tafidan Kano, Alhaji Tijani Abubakar.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I write to commiserate with Your Highness, the people of Kano Emirate, and the entire people of Kano State on this sad loss,” President Jonathan wrote.
He prayed that Almighty Allah will grant the Emir, Alhaji Tijani’s family and the people of Kano the fortitude to cope with the painful loss of the Tafidan.