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Wednesday 25 February 2015

Jonathan, Buhari Hail Ex- President Shehu Shagari As He Celebrates His 90th Birthday Toaday In Sokoto

President Jonathan and former Heads of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Babangida, Gen. Gowon and Gen. Abdulsalami, celebrating with former President Shehu Shagari as he marked his 90th birthday at Sokoto today.


President Goodluck Jonathan and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), have congratulated former President Shehu Shagari on his 90th birthday anniversary.
On his part, Jonathan extolled Shagari’s virtues, describing him as a committed patriot and outstanding leader.
The president, who personally wrote to congratulate the former leader on his 90th birthday, said the present administration would continue to count on the former president’s support and solidarity.
Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, noted in a statement on Tuesday that Jonathan  wrote to felicitate with Shagari on the occasion of his 90th birthday which comes up today.

According to him, President Jonathan prayed that Almighty Allah will continue to bless the former president with good health.
Abati quoted the president as writing: “It is with profound joy that I write on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic 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 90 years of a life of forthrightness and outstanding leadership with which He has blessed you.
“It is gratifying to note that our administration can continue to count on the solidarity and support of accomplished, highly respected statesmen and committed patriots like you as we vigorously pursue our national transformation efforts.
“As you celebrate this historic day, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah continues to prosper you and imbue you with robust health as you continue to give yourself in the service of our dear nation,” the president wrote to Shagari.”
On the other hand, Buhari, in his congratulatory message personally signed by him,  read: “Although  I  am  physically   able 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.

“Shagari is now the Grand Old Man of Nigerian politics, having been in the frame of public affairs since the colonial days.
“Although my government forcibly removed his government, he has always shown me civility and much courtesy. His contributions at the National Council  of  State  meetings  which  I  attend  have  always  been constructive  and eloquent.
“I wish the former president many more years of good health and peaceful retirement.”


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