Nigeria’s First Civilian President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari dies at 93

Ex-President (first civilian president) Alhaji Shehu Shagari is dead, he died on Friday 28th December at the National Hospital Abuja at age 93.

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, first broke the news on his Twitter handle when he tweeted;

I regret to announce the death of former President Shehu Shagari who just passed away at National Hospital Abuja. May his Soul Rest in Peace.

 - Aminu W. Tambuwal (@AWTambuwal) December 28, 2018

It was later confirmed by the deceased Grandson, Bello Shagari when he tweeted;

I regret announcing the death of my grandfather, H.E. Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who died right now after brief illness at the National Hospital, Abuja.”

- Bello Shagari (@Belshagy) December 28, 2018

Alhaji Shehu Shagari was born in 1925 to the Aliyu family of Shagari village, he went to Quranic school at his early age, and then attended Yabo Elementary School between 1931 and 1935, he travelled to Sokoto to further his education between 1936-1940 and then finally went to Kaduna college for his tertiary education (1941-1944). As a person who enjoys teaching, he went to the Teacher’s Training College in Kaduna State, soon after he graduated in 1952, he started teaching {as a visiting teacher) in Sokoto Province.

His passion for politics made him join the Northern People’s Congress where he held the post of Secretary until 1956. In 1954, he was elected to represent Sokoto West in the Federal House of Representative, he then served as a Federal Minister (for Commerce and Industries, for Economic Development, for Pension, for Internal Affairs and finally for works) between 1958 and 1966. He also served as a commissioner in Sokoto State; for Establishments in 1968-1969 and for Economic Development, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in 1970-1971. 

He was part of the founding member of the National People’s Party in 1978 and was chosen to run for President under the party’s name in the 1979 general election which he won. He also ran for the second term as president in 1983 general election which he also won, however, his government was overthrown by Major General Muhammadu Buhari on the 31st day of December 1983 to end his 4 years reign in office.

May his soul Rest in Peace.