A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Sokoto State, Nuhudin Mohammed Mahe, on Friday said former President Shehu Shagari contested the most difficult election in Nigeria’s history.
Mahe, who is the maternal grandson of Shagari, said Shagari defeated the likes of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Waziri Ibrahim and Aminu Kano to emerge President.
Shagari was Nigeria’s second Republic President from 1979 to 1983, when his government was toppled by then Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 1983.
Mahe said Shagari’s faith in God and trustworthy nature made him successful.
Featuring on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, the APC chieftain in Sokoto State said: “Shehu Shagari’s administration was interrupted by the military intervention in 1983 – you know that before you hang a dog, you must give it a name to justify your actions – the military junta of Buhari accused Shagari’s administration of so many things.
“They said it was corrupt, embezzlement of public funds, state aggrandizement, bankruptcy but to set the facts straight, Shagari faced the first global economic recession and there was a struggle to ensure that austerity measures were put in place so that the economy will be stable, but all those efforts were not achieved and that was why they toppled the government.
“But Shagari performed tremendously well in various sectors of human endeavours. There are lots of legacies Shagari left while in office. He also left behind legacies of honesty, integrity, patriotism and selfless service to humanity which we the family are very happy proud of.
“Shehu Shagari contested a very difficult election because the likes of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Waziri Ibrahim, Aminu Kano were far above him in terms of influence, wealth, popularity and media.
“Nevertheless, he was able to win the election, so you see in the history of Nigeria, Shagari contested a very difficult election. So in my own perspective, what makes him successful was his faith in God, trustworthiness, and he never wished anybody ill.”
Mahe also spoke on Shagari’s arrest and detention, after his government was overthrown: “Shagari lost so many things like his government documents that were very important to him. Also some of his belongings which he lost in that house.”