President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed sadness over the death of a member of the sixth Senate and former Minister of Internal Affairs, Brigadier General John Nanzip Shagaya, on Sunday.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late Shagaya as a “fine officer and gentleman” who during his lifetime, gave his all in the service of his country, both as a soldier and politician.
“Shagaya would be remembered for his meritorious service to the country and the West African sub-region as an active member of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Saraki said. “He served this country in many capacities such as Minister, member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council and Chairman, Committee on Nigeria’s Membership of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.
“He also served as a member, drafting committee of the main protocols for the Economic Community of West African States, member, National Boundary Commission and a Field Commander in the ECOMOG Peacekeeping Force in Liberia.
“As a politician, he was elected to represent Plateau South Senatorial District in the 6th Senate where he contributed to various legislations aimed at enhancing the nation’s democracy. He was the Chairman, Governing Board of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru in Jos,” he stated.
President of the Senate commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased and the government and people of Plateau State over the irreparable loss, while calling on the Federal Government to immortalize the late army General.
He prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has commiserated with the government and people of Plateau state over the death of Senator John Shagaya.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser Media & Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, Hon. Dogara, described the late General Shagaya as a fine gentleman, reputable elder statesman, distinguished lawmaker and accomplished military officer.
The Speaker who described the late Shagaya’s death as a big loss to Nigeria said that his generation fought to keep Nigeria together.
“We will continue to remember his sacrifices as a military officer who fought in the civil war to keep Nigeria one”.
“We console with his the Shagaya family, people and government of Plateau state over this irreparable loss”.
