Former President, Shehu Shagari


Former President Shehu Shagari has linked the choice of President Goodluck Jonathan as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate for the April poll  to the long political affiliation and cooperation between the North and South South region of the country.

Shagari who received Jonathan in his home after the latter had addressed a rally at the Sokoto township stadium Wednesday said even after independence, when the north sought  a coalition, it found in the present Niger Delta region such alliance and assured that relationship will continue to be fruitful.

Shagari observed that there was need for the younger generation to take up the gauntlet and steer the ship of the State out of the shallow waters especially as older politicians like him have lost the physical steam to lead.

He assured the President that his decision to pay him the visit and respect would not be in vain as his hardwork to turn around the fortunes of the  country would be rewarded.

According to him,  "I'm getting old and I don't think I can join any political party for active politicking now, but I'm happy that you have emerged to undertake the onerous task of leading this country. I believe you will succeed, having worked so hard."

Going down memory lane, Shagari recalled that, "Even after the independence, people from the Niger Delta remained faithful to the friendship bond that had developed over the years. The North will remain proud of such a long political friendship with the people of the Niger Delta."

Speaking earlier, Jonathan acknowledged the support and quality counsel Shagari has always given to him, adding,"We want to follow your footstep of building a united, peaceful and economically stable nation."

He assured of his resolve to build a better Nigeria where the interest of youths will be uppermost especially in the area of job creation.