President Muhammadu Buhari; military president, Ibrahim Babangida; former senate president, David mark among other eminent Nigerians have mourned the passing of Senator John Shagaya.
The President has offered his heartfelt condolences to the Shagaya family, friends, the Government and people of Plateau State on the painful passing of their illustrious son.
The President pays tribute to the great Nigerian whose legacies will live on in the patriotic work he did as a military officer, who rose to the position of a General, and a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic that ably represented the Plateau Southern zone.
The President affirms that at each step of his distinguished career in national service and politics, General Shagaya brought his deep convictions and discipline to national, regional and community assignments and was ready to always offer his best to the development and stability of the country.
According to a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the President Buhari prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn him and grant his soul eternal rest.
IBB
It read: “I received with great shock the sudden demise of one of the brilliant retired military officers, General John Shagaya this Sunday from a ghastly motor accident.
“Late General Shagaya until his death had been an ardent supporter of the unity of Nigeria as a nation and a peace builder irrespective of ethnicism, tribalism and religious bigotry.
David Mark
a former Senate President, David Mark, who is Shagaya’s friend, confirmed the death.
He said, “Nigeria has lost one of her finest and fertile minds. I have lost a bosom friend, a pathfinder and a patriot.”
Mark in a statement by his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, obtained said Shagaya left a legacy of “uncommon commitment to the ideals of nationhood.”
Arewa Consultative Forum [ACF]
The ACF, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Biu, said the late Shagaya would be remembered for his selfless service to his fatherland.
“Nigeria has lost one of its fineness politician, a bridge builder and a leader who lived a simple and humble life.
“ACF extends its condolences to the Shagaya family, the government and the good people of Plateau state and all Nigerians over the demise of Senator John N Shagaya. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” the Forum added.
While providing details of his death, a former Chairman, Langtang North Local Government Area, Dan Dandur, said Shagaya died in a road accident along Langtang-Pankshin road in Plateau State.
“Shagaya died in a road crash today; we are right now with the corpse at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos,” Dandur told the News Agency of Nigeria, in a telephone interview.
Dandur said that the 75-year-old retired army general was on his way to Jos from his village in Langtang, when the accident occurred at Amper in Kanke Local Government of the State.
“Shagaya was traveling along with his driver and orderly when the accident occurred, but the two survived with serious injuries and are receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.
Dandur described Shagaya’s death as “shocking and unbelievable”.
“His death is too sudden. I just can’t believe that he has left us,” Dandur, who holds the traditional title of “Baraya Langtang”, told NAN.
Born in Langtang North, on September 2, 1942, Mr. Shagaya served as minister of internal affairs under Mr. Babangida, and represented Plateau South in the senate from 2007-2011.
