SHEHU SHAGARI: End of Unforgettable Era- Dr Oye
Oru Leonard
The National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Ozonkpu Dr. Victor Ike Oye, has described the death of former President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari as the end of an unforgettable era and a national loss.
In a press statement released in Abuja today, Dr. Oye lamented what he called, “the death of an iconic politician who played politics with fineness, candour, integrity and without bitterness”.
He recalled the period between 1979 and 1983(when Shagari held office as Nigeria’s Second Republic President) as one of the most peaceful and progressive in the annals of the country, urging today’s politicians to emulate his humility and honesty in leadership.
The APGA boss reminisced on his personal encounter with Shagari when he (Shagari) visited PRODA (Project Development Agency) in Enugu in 1982 where he expressed strong conviction that Nigeria would one day become a truly global power in technology.
“I was personally present as he discussed the expansion of PRODA with the agency’s director then, Prof. Gordian Ezekwe.
“Unfortunately, Shagari’s plan to advance the cause of Nigeria’s technological development was aborted by the December 31, 1983 coup” Dr Oye said.
He called on the Federal Government to sustain the vision of the late President by devoting more resources to research and development in order to promote technical and technological education in the country.
Dr. Oye charged the Federal Government to name a national monument after him even though some national institutions bear his name, as a way of immortalizing him as he prayed God to grant the soul of Shagari eternal repose among the saints.
Recall that President Shagari was overthrown by the 1983 coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari.
In another development, the National Chairman of APGA, also expressed deep shock at the news of the passing on of the National Organising Secretary of the party, Akunwata Mike Kwentoh, describing it as “irreplaceable”.
In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Dr. Oye said he never expected the news of Kwentoh’s demise in spite of the fact that he was very sick, noting that Kwentoh died when his sagacity, commitment, and experience were most needed.
“Kwentoh was a strong pillar to our party and we would miss his wise counselling and dexterity”, Oye said as he thanked God for a life of service the Late Kwentoh led having held key positions in his community and the party.
He prayed God to grant his soul eternal repose and the family the courage to bear the irreparable loss.
