Alhaji Ishyaku Ibrahim, a personal assistant and close associate of late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has enjoined Nigerians to practise developmental politics and concentrate on tapping the country’s resources.
Ibrahim made the appeal on Tuesday in Sokoto during a condolence visit to the family of late Shagari.
He described Shagari as a humble, generous and an amiable leader that meant well for Nigeria and the world at large.
He said 90 per cent of the country’’s mineral resources remained untapped and cautioned Nigerians against religious and tribal sentiments which retarded the country’s progress.
The former president’s associate said Shagari along with other first generation politicians were committed to nation building and practice politics free of bitterness and selfish interests.
He said Shagari had never planned to become Nigeria’s president as he only aspired to become a Senator.
“However, by Allah’s wish, people saw his good leadership qualities and pressurised him before he agreed to contest,’’ said the aide.
He noted that many political tricks were played then, stressing that he led people from Plateau State to approach Shagari to ran for the presidency before others followed during the 10 northern states convention which produced Shagari as candidate.
According to him, Shagari had never been greedy as he shun many corrupt advances when he was minister and other responsibilities he held.
He noted that till his dead no group or individual have accused him of any wrong doing, adding different testimonies by people after his death have proven his good qualities.
Ibrahim said he first met Shagari in 1967 as a student in Paris, because the then Ambassador attached him to cover Shagari’s visit and since then he had interacting with Shagari.
He said the late former president played a key role in the development of Nigeria and the democratic system.
“A distinct habit of the late former President, which only those who interacted with him will tell is, he was a very simple and humble man in spite of the various positions he held.
“He is being referred as `Mr Clean’ by many security personnel and others, a man that possessed a very clean and good heart which he showed clearly in his life time through various engagements and activities.
Ibrahim therefore called on Nigerians especially youths to imbibe the good habit of forgiveness, simplicity and integrity of the deceased.
He said late Shagari should not be mourned, but be celebrated as a truthful person, honest and sincere leader who was a good nationalist.
“Shagari is a true associate, his life is embodiment of truths to celebrate. If we learn lessons from his habits of forgiveness and tolerance, Nigeria will be a good country.”
He further recalled that he was instrumental to Shagari’s “President Rice Policy” where rice was imported from the U.S., a programme that impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians irrespective of position, political or religious background.
Responding, the eldest son of Shagari, Rtd. Cpt. Bala Shagari, described Ibrahim as an insider and a kitchen cabinet member of their late father who contributed to his (Shagari) success in life.
While collaborating that their father had no intention to contest for presidency but people pressured him and coincided that Shagari listened to a radio programme in which an Islamic scholar preached good leadership.
According to him, late Shagari accepted to contest when he heard that the wrath of Allah would befall whosoever was approached for leadership position and declined.