Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, has paid tribute to the first executive president of Nigeria, AlhajiShehuUsmanAliyuShagari who turns 89 years on Tuesday, describing him as a statesman of uncommon pedigree.
Chairman of the forum and governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azuBabangidaAliyu said on Monday in Minna that Shagari, as Nigeria’s president, played politics without bitterness and placed topmost premium on the values and virtues of constitutional democracy.
“Shagari’s politics eschews bitterness. Even opponents concede that he is a disciplined man whose life symbolises a rejection of the corrupting influences that distracts the commitment of some leaders to improving the lot of the common man,” the forum said in a statement signed by Governor Aliyu’s spokesman, DanladiNdayebo.
The forum referred to former President Shagari as the greatest statesman around today and urged Nigerians to emulate his exemplary life that is characterised by honesty, selflessness and the fear of God.
The forum said it is proud to be associated with the achievements of the former Nigerian leader, especially his contribution to the deepening of the nation’s democracy.