Former Head of State, Gen Abdusalami Abubakar (Rtd), on Thursday described late Sen John Shagaya as “a gallant soldier and a gentleman” that would be greatly missed.
Abubakar spoke in Jos, during the Service of Songs held in honour of the Brigadier General, who died two weeks ago. He was aged 75.
The former head of state said that Shagaya’s death was shocking and admonished the survivors to take solace in God.
Also speaking, General Zamani Lekwot, former Rivers military governor, said that retired military officers would greatly miss Shagaya who was instrumental to the payment of gratuities and pensions to many of them.
“We toiled with him for the welfare of retired officers. He used his connections and succeeded in helping those with issues in respect of the payment of pensions and gratuities.
“Shagaya was a good, decent and calm officer. He knew how to get what he wanted. We shall greatly miss him. Only the legacies he left behind can console us, the family and the nation as a whole, ‘’ Lekwot said.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, in his remarks, said that late Shagaya had distinguished himself, both in the military and politics, and left behind consoling legacies.
In his sermon, Rev. Naphtali Ambotok, who took his text form 2 Kings 20:1, admonished Nigerians to always prepare for their end as it could come anytime.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the funeral service will be held Friday, March 16, at COCIN Church, Langtang North after which Shagaya would be buried at his village in Kuswang.
Present at the service of songs were many retired army Generals including Tony Ukpo, Haliru Akilu, Lawal Gwadabe, and former Secretary to the Government of the federation, Alh Ahmed Yayale. (NAN)