Nura Muhammad Mahe, a grandson of Nigeria’s former President, Shehu Shagari, has alleged that late former President Muhammadu Buhari showed ‘little respect’ in the handling of Shagari’s death and funeral in 2018.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mahe contrasted Buhari’s conduct with that of President Bola Tinubu, whom he commended for organising a state burial for Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, and was laid to rest in Daura on Tuesday with full military honours.
Mahe commended President Tinubu’s personal presence at Buhari’s funeral and the establishment of a high-level national burial committee, describing it as “a gesture of honour and a symbol of national unity.”
He said: “This is in stark contrast to how the late President Shehu Shagari was treated during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.”
He praised Tinubu’s move as one befitting a former head of state and a reminder of how the nation ought to honour its leaders, regardless of past political differences.
Reflecting on Shagari’s passing in December 2018, Mahe recalled that Buhari, who was in the country at the time, neither attended the funeral nor accorded his predecessor a state burial.
“Instead, a government delegation led by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who is notably a non-Muslim, was dispatched to represent him,” he said.
He argued that such an approach showed a “lack of empathy and decorum”, particularly given Shagari’s historical position as Nigeria’s first democratically elected Executive President.
“It remains a painful memory that Shagari’s death occurred under the leadership of a man who many believe harboured political animosity toward him,” Mahe lamented.
“Even in death, Buhari showed little public remorse or respect for his predecessor.”
In closing, Mahe offered prayers for Nigeria’s past leaders, urging the nation to rise above political rivalries in death.
“May Allah forgive all our past leaders and grant them eternal rest. Their legacies, be they celebrated or criticised—remain part of our national history,” he added.