Bala Shagari, the eldest son of late ex-President Shehu Shagari, has said that his father didn’t just want to be buried in Shagari town, he also indicated the specific location where he expected to be interred.
He said this needed to be clarified as the Sultan of Sokoto had offered that the late president be buried at Hubbare, where Shehu Usman Danfodio was laid to rest.
The eldest son also disclosed that the departed ex-president died intestate.
Bala also expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buharifor the condolence visit he paid to the family in Sokoto.
The eldest son told newsmen on Sunday in Sokoto, Sokoto State, that the family was happy with the visit and Buhari’s pledge to immortalise 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 is fulfilled.
Shagari, aged 93, died on Friday, December 28 at the National Hospital, Abuja, at about 7pm, and was buried on Saturday at Shagari, his hometown.
Shagari was president from 1979 to 1983. He was removed via a coup d’etat that brought Muhammadu Buhari to power as military head of state, three months after he was sworn in for a second term.
His son 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 Danfodio 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.
Earlier, President Buhari had condoled with the wives and children of late Shagari at the deceased’s residence on Sama road in Sokoto.
During the visit, Prof. Shehu Galadanci led the prayers for late Shagari.
Buhari was accompanied by governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi; Senator Aliyu Wamakko and Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Mannir Dan-Iya, among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the visit was cheered by crowds chanting ‘Nigeria sai Maigaskiya,‘ meaning, ‘Nigeria is for a truthful person.’
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