It was sometime in 2001 or thereabout, the place was the male surgical ward of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, and am not sure again if there were two or three men who stood by the. bedside of a patient, I could only see their back from a distance. But one of the nurses whispered to me that one of those men was former president Alhaji Shehu Shagari. At first, I did not believe her, because if the nurse was right I expected some kind of crowd around him and outside the hospital and some mean looking security operatives, perhaps.
But soon the men were to round off their visit and to depart, and then one of them turned his face momentarily. Bespectacled, and in white babanriga and a white cap to match, I beheld a fair skinned elderly Fulani man with delicate features. It was former First Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari all right! He walked out of the hospital, accompanied by the others who on closer appreciation were traditional royal bodyguards, known as Dogarai, in their red and green attire. I hesitated, and then went after them. As I got close behind them, I said "Yallabai", he paused and looked back and gave me a smile. And I let him continue. I could not hope to start a conversation if I could dare, not there anyway, and not at such a time. I just wanted to experience that rare moment. I stood transfixed, while he continued with his company. Simple. Graceful.
Once, I went to see a friend in Sama road in Sokoto city whose house is not far from the former president's house. My friend showed me Shagari's house. It was not on a hilltop and there was no grandiose about it. From what I was told, even his hometown house in Shagari carries the same simplicity.
Now, I have the flair for fine arts, and in the early 80s as a young pupil I drew portraits. Shagari's was one of those works, and one of those which have found a place in my cherished archives up till today.
Indeed, I might not have remembered to write this tribute if I had not seen Shehu Shagari recently in a photo op with past Nigerian leaders after a National Council of State meeting. He stood among them, unbowed by age. He does not seek to be noticed and does not carry any hubris.
While others who had the privilege of ruling this country continue to heat up the polity in vain pursuit of political relevance, Shagari has continued a life of moderation. You can hardly hear him speak. But he is the unseen hand that rocks the cradle.
His government was reforms orientated. He was the one who introduced a national minimum wage for Nigerian workers. He was the one who declared May 1st as Workers’ Day holiday in Nigeria as it should be world over. He established a Ministry of Housing and Environment and also a Ministry of Science and Technology.
During his time as president Nigeria was affected by the international economic crisis. Shagari took steps to make the economy stronger. He cut the budget and involved the International Monetary Fund. But perhaps the one that our African neighbours will not forget in a hurry is the expulsion of about two million illegal aliens, mostly Ghanaians, what was called "Ghana Must Go!"
He was never known to be corrupt.
Like Nelson Mandela, he also has a forgiving spirit. He forgave all those who hurt him along the way, including those who forcefully took his office. He is nonjudgemental and impartial. And does not play the ethnic card.
Among Nigerian politicians there is hardly any who can rival him in sobriety and honesty. He had an image that was brighter than his political party.
He was a former school teacher, a former federal legislator, a former federal commissioner or minister who nursed the ambition to become a senator, but ended up being a president.
He is a farmer and has been active in his commercial farm called Jan-Zomo Farm along Sokoto-Kontagora road on the outskirt of Shagari.
He is also a senior councillor of the Sokoto Sultanate Council and has the traditional title of Turakin Sokoto.
Shagari represents Nigeria's past - and its present. There is a lot we need to learn from his wisdom and experience, there is a lot he can give and should give.
Especially in this most trying period of our political journey, I use this opportunity to let this political sage of our time to use his influence that has kept peace and security in Sokoto to also touch all other restive and unsafe places in the north. As he himself knows, it is “One Nation, One Destiny!”
As he turns 89 today, the 25th day of February, 2014, I still join many of his well-wishers to wish perhaps the most moderate political figure of our time, a true statesman a happy birthday. Allah ya ba ka lafia. Allah ya baka yawancin rai.
Dr Cosmas Odoemena
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