TheCable

Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has congratulated Shehu Shagari, a former president, on his 90th birthday, saying the nonagenarian shows him “civility and courtesy” despite ousting his government in 1983.

“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,” a congratulatory message signed by Buhari read.

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

“Although my government forcibly removed his government, he has always shown me civility and much courtesy. His contributions at the National Council of State meetings, which I attend, have always been constructive and eloquent.

“I wish the former president many more years of good health and peaceful retirement.”

Shagari, who would be 90 on Wednesday, February 25, was president of Nigeria between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983, when he was deposed in a coup d’etat that led to Buhari’s emergence as head of state.