President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the national flag and other flags should fly at half-mast in military and para-military formations as well as public buildings for three days, starting from Dec. 30.
Also, the Sokoto State Govt. has declared Monday, Dec. 31, public holiday in honour of late former president Shehu Shagari.
Shagari passed away on Friday, Dec. 28 and was buried on Saturday, Dec. 29, according to Islamic rites. He was aged 93.
In a statement personally signed by him, Buhari stated: “The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our founding fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.
“The late Alhaji Shagari was a man of many parts: teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.
“Over the years, through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other, whatever the differences we may have had in the past.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”
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Also, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state has declared Monday, Dec. 31, as public holiday in the state to enable residents offer special prayer for the repose of the soul of late former President, who was an indigene of the state.
A statement signed by Tambuwal’s Director General, Media and Public Affairs, Abubakar Shekara, on Saturday in Sokoto, obtained by the Next Edition disclosed that the governor made the declaration after consultation with the Sultanate Council, adding: “The state government therefore, requests Imams across Sokoto and the general public to dedicate the day for special prayers for the repose of the soul of the former President and for peace and progress of the nation at large.
“The government also directs all flags at public and private premises be flown at half mast in honor of the late former President, Shehu Shagari.”
