President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Aminu Tambuwal shared the same vehicle on Sunday.
Mr Tambuwal would have been the main challenger to President Buhari in next year’s presidential election had the Sokoto governor won the ticket of the main opposition party, PDP.
The governor emerged runner-up, losing the ticket to current PDP presidential candidate, Mr Atiku Abubakar.
Messrs Buhari and Tambuwal on Sunday joined sympathisers and family members to offer special prayers for the repose of the soul of late former President Shehu Shagari at his private residence in Sokoto State.
Tambuwal and his counterpart from Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu, as well as prominent citizens from within and outside Sokoto, who accompanied the president, participated in the prayer session.
Before commencement of prayers led by Chief Imam/Administrator of National Mosque, Mr Shehu Galadanchi, Buhari met with members of the Shagari family where he consoled them over the loss.
The president also presented a letter of condolence to the family which was read by Tambuwal.
The Chief Imam prayed Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the former president a peaceful resting place in Paradise.
The president had on Saturday paid tribute to the late former president and directed that the national flag and other flags should fly at half-mast in military and para-military formations as well as public buildings for three days, starting from today.
“The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our founding fathers under Mr Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.
“The late Shagari was a man of many parts, teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.
“Over the years through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other whatever the differences we may have had in the past.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”
Mr Bala Shagari, the eldest son of the deceased had on behalf of the family, expressed appreciation to Buhari for the visit amid his busy schedule.
The remains of the former president, who died at the age of 93 on Friday at National Hospital Abuja, was laid to rest at his village, Shagari on Saturday, according to Islamic rites.
Shagari was president from 1979 to 1983 and won the presidential election for the second time before he was dethroned by a coup d’état that brought in Buhari as military head of state.
PT
