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Wammako, Buhari, Tambuwal, Bala Shagari and Governor Atiku Bagudu (NAN Photo)

The Federal Government will in due course immortalise the country’s first executive president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who passed away Friday, December 28, 2018, aged 93.
This promise was made in Sokoto today, Sunday, 30/12/2018, by President Muhammadu Buhari, while paying a condolence visit to the Shagari family.
In a letter to the Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, read by the governor at the event, the President stated:
“I received the very sad news of the passing away of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This, indeed, is a grievous loss, which will be felt throughout Nigeria, irrespective of any difference. The late Alhaji Shagari was a landmark figure being virtually our last link to the post-independence government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the first elected Executive President of Nigeria.
“Please convey to his immediate family, the government and the people of Sokoto State my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of this great statesman.
“The Federal Government will in due course institute a suitable memorial to the late former President”.
Meanwhile, as President Muhammadu Buhari accompanied by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoko paid a condolence visit to the family of late ex-President Shehu Shagari, the family of the deceased has expressed appreciation for the visit.
Alhaji Bala Shagari, the eldest son of Shehu Shagari told newsmen today in Sokoto, that the family was happy with the visit and Buhari’s pledge to immortalize the late president.
Bala, who is the District Head of Shagari town in Sokoto, however, said he would not comment on Buhari’s pledge until it was fulfilled.
Late Shagari, aged 93, died on Dec. 28 at the National Hospital, Abuja and was buried on Saturday at Shagari, his hometown.
Shagari was President of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983.
He was dethroned in a coup d’etat that brought in Muhammadu Buhari to power as military head of state, three months after he (Shagari) was sworn in for the second term.
He said that the late president did not leave any will beside the directive that he should be buried at his home, Shagari.
According to Bala, the directive was strictly observed and implemented as his remains were buried at Shagari town, on Saturday.
He acknowledged that the Sultan had offered that the late president should be buried at Hubbare, where Shehu Usman Danfofio was laid to rest.
“We acknowledged it but late Shagari had told us that he should be buried in Shagari town and even indicated a specific location, so we have to comply with his will,” he added.
According to him, his father had no grudge against Buhari or anyone because Shagari told us he had pardoned everyone.
He explained that the late president’s absence at functions was due to his ill-health, saying that was why he stayed in Sokoto and Shagari town before he died.
Buhari was earlier accompanied by Tambuwal, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko and Sokoto State Deputy Governor Alhaji Mannir Dan-Iya, among others to visit the family.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was cheered by crowds chanting; “Nigeria Sai Maigaskiya” meaning Nigeria is for a truthful person.
The Federal Government’s delegation led by Secretary to the Federation, Mr Boss Mustspha, had earlier attended the late president’s funeral on Saturday in Shagari town.