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Tinubu Showed Respect to Buhari, But Buhari Didn’t Do the Same for Shagari – Shagari’s Grandson

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 18th, 2025.

Tinubu Showed Respect to Buhari, But Buhari Didn’t Do the Same for Shagari – Shagari’s Grandson

Muhhamadu Buhari

Nura Muhammad Mahe, grandson of Nigeria’s first Executive President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has expressed dismay over what he describes as a lack of respect shown by former President Muhammadu Buhari towards his grandfather at the time of his passing in 2018. Mahe contrasted this with President Bola Tinubu’s respectful and unifying approach during Buhari’s recent burial.

In a statement issued in Sokoto on Wednesday, Mahe commended Tinubu for attending Buhari’s funeral and organizing a dignified state ceremony, calling it a commendable act of national unity. However, he lamented that his grandfather, who once held the nation’s highest office, was not accorded the same respect by Buhari.

“Unlike President Tinubu, who honoured Buhari with a high-profile burial, Buhari failed to extend similar dignity to President Shagari,” Mahe stated.

Recalling the events of December 28, 2018, Mahe noted that Shagari passed away in Abuja and was buried the following day without President Buhari’s presence or a formal state burial. Despite being in the country at the time, Buhari opted to send a delegation led by then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

“This was a deeply hurtful moment for our family and for many Nigerians who expected more for a man who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s early democratic era,” he said.

Mahe suggested that political tensions from the past might have influenced Buhari’s actions, pointing out that “even after death, Buhari could not bring himself to honour his predecessor.”

He praised President Tinubu for setting a new standard by showing up personally and forming a committee to coordinate Buhari’s funeral. According to him, this gesture should serve as an example to future leaders on how to put aside differences and respect those who served the nation.

Mahe closed his remarks by offering prayers for all of Nigeria’s past leaders, recognizing their lasting impact on the nation’s journey, regardless of public opinion.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari passed away at the age of 93 after a brief illness at the National Hospital in Abuja. A distinguished public servant, Shagari had an extensive political career beginning in 1954 when he was elected to the federal House of Representatives for Sokoto West.

Over the years, he held several key positions, including Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries, Economic Development, Internal Affairs, Works, and later, Finance. He also served under various administrations from the First Republic through the post-Civil War era, ultimately becoming Nigeria’s first Executive President in 1979.

Shagari hailed from the town of Shagari in northern Nigeria, a settlement founded by his great-grandfather Ahmadu Rufa’i, from whom the family name was derived.