Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto Heritage Reloaded Initiative (SHRI) on Saturday in a stirring appeal to national conscience urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and deliberate action in immortalizing the legacy of late President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari the first Executive President of Nigeria.
The call comes amid growing concern over the fading reverence for Nigeria’s democratic pioneers.
President Shehu Shagari, who led the country from 1979 to 1983 during the Second Republic, is widely acknowledged for his modest leadership, commitment to national unity, and strong democratic values.
His brief but impactful presidency followed years of military dictatorship, and his administration is remembered for its attempt to restore civilian governance.
At a press conference in Sokoto, the convener of the initiative, Professor Abdulkadir Uthman, described the absence of national honors for Shagari as “a grave historical oversight.”
He argued that the silence surrounding Shagari’s contributions reflects a broader neglect of Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“This is a national injustice that must be corrected before history closes its book on this generation,” Prof. Abdulkadir emphasized, urging President Tinubu to lead the charge in correcting this omission by immortalizing Shagari’s legacy in concrete ways.
Civil society organizations and youth groups joined in echoing the appeal, noting that honoring democratic pioneers like Shagari is essential to building a sustainable political culture.
They stressed that Nigeria cannot hope to cultivate democratic values among its youth if it continues to ignore the sacrifices of its founding civilian leaders.
Despite being ousted in a 1983 military coup, Shagari’s dignified and peaceful acceptance of the abrupt transition is often cited as a rare instance of statesmanship.
He refrained from any form of retaliation or inflammatory rhetoric, earning him respect even in post-presidency life.
Observers also noted that Shagari lived a life of quiet dignity after leaving office eschewing wealth and privilege offering Nigerians a rare example of selfless public service in an era where political leaders are often associated with excess and impunity.
“Immortalizing Shagari is not just a symbolic act.
“It’s an opportunity for Nigeria to recalibrate its values, recognize humility and service, and reaffirm faith in democracy and justice,” Prof. Abdulkadir said.
The SHRI has proposed multiple ways to honor the late president: renaming a national institution in his memory, erecting a federal monument, and officially declaring a national day of remembrance to celebrate his service and ideals.
The group also called for a curriculum overhaul to include detailed narratives of Shagari’s contributions in civic and government studies.
Advocates argue that many young Nigerians remain unaware of the role he played in shaping the country’s democratic journey.
“Shagari embodied patriotism and humility,” said one community leader.
“His near-complete erasure from national honors is a disservice not only to him but to the values we claim to uphold as a nation.”
Traditional rulers and opinion leaders are demanding the construction of a national library and leadership center in Shagari’s name.
They believe it would serve as a hub for political education and civic engagement, particularly for youths in Northern Nigeria.
As Nigeria confronts pressing challenges in governance, identity, and national cohesion, the call to honor Shehu Shagari stands as a moral compass.
It is now up to President Tinubu to respond to this historic plea, and in doing so, help preserve a legacy that still has the power to inspire generations.
