The grandson of Nigeria’s Second Republic President Shehu Shagari has accused Retired General Muhammadu Buhari of failing to honour the politician with a state burial in 2018, unlike the dignified internment recently bestowed on the former military leader by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nura Muhammad Mahe recalled that Shagari died on December 28, 2018, and was buried a day later without the presence of Buhari or any state-organised honour, despite Buhari being in the country.
In a statement issued in Sokoto on Wednesday, Mahe expressed disappointment over the manner in which his grandfather was treated by the Buhari administration and described President Tinubu’s gesture as a model of national unity and respect.
“This is in sharp contrast to how my grandfather, President Shehu Shagari, was treated during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
He recalled that Shagari died on December 28, 2018, and was buried a day later without the presence of President Buhari or any state-organised honour, despite Buhari being in the country.
“Instead of Buhari attending the burial at the time, he sent a delegation led by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, to represent the government,” Mahe stated.
“It was a painful experience for the Shagari family and many Nigerians who expected more honour for a man who served as Nigeria’s first Executive President,” he added.
He alleged that the treatment was due to “unresolved political grievances,” and further stated, “even in death, Buhari failed to show due respect to his predecessor.”
Mahe commended Tinubu for demonstrating statesmanship by attending Buhari’s funeral in person and for establishing a high-level committee to oversee the burial, urging future leaders to take a cue from this gesture.
He concluded with prayers for all deceased Nigerian leaders, stating that their roles—whether celebrated or debated—remain significant in the country’s history.
Shagari died at the National Hospital Abuja on December 28, 2018 after a brief illness. He died at the age of 93.
