Following the demise of former President Shehu Shagari on Friday, 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.
The President gave the directive in a statement he personally signed on Saturday. It reads
“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.”
Vigil360 had reported earlier that the remains of Shagari was buried in Sokoto yesterday. Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has declared Monday, December 31 Public Holiday to enable residents offer special prayers of the repose of his soul.
