President Goodluck Jonathan and the former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), yesterday eulogised the Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari as a committed patriot and outstanding leader on his 90th birthday today.

Jonathan, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming general elections, said that his administration would continue to count on the former President’s support and solidarity.

Also, Buhari, who is the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, congratulated Shagari, pointing out that though his government toppled him (in a military coup in 1983), the nonagenarian has always shown some civility towards him.

Buhari described Shagari as the “Grand Old Man of Nigerian politics.”

President Jonathan in message prayed ‘’that Almighty Allah will continue to bless the former President with good health and long life,’’ saying, “It is with profound joy that I write on behalf of my family, the Government and people of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, to express very warm felicitations to you.

“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty Allah for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past ninety years of a life of forthrightness and outstanding leadership with which He has blessed you.”

General Buhari also eulogised Shagari’s contributions to national development since the colonial days saying that they were enormous.

The message he personally signed reads: “Although I am physically unable to be present as I am abroad on previously arranged assignments, I wish to send my good wishes to former President Shehu Shagari on his 90th birthday.

“Alhaji Shehu Shagari is now the Grand Old Man of Nigerian politics, having been in the frame of public affairs since the colonial days.”

•Adapted from a Vanguard report. Photo shows Buhari and Jonathan.

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