A good man, but too soft for Nigeria, hence massive corruption went on under him.

However, like Sanusi wrote in one of his articles, compared to the thieving public officers of today, second republic thieves were saints. Buhari/Idiagbon jailed almost all second republic politicians for what was a 'chicken change' to what today's leaders steal and walk freely.

Happy birthday, sir.

HNosegbe: A typical "establishment" candidate who was "selected" in order not to rock the boat, while untold acts corruption were perpetrated under his watch.

You're a good man, sir, but you won't be remembered as a great leader. The Second Republic needed a leader who would take the bull by the horns, take a tough stance against corruption and impunity, and clean up the system. Unfortunately you failed to make this happen.

The profligacy and mindless waste/stealing of public funds perpetrated by officials in your administration, coupled with NPN's blatant rigging of the 1983 elections, gave the military a perfect pretext to stage yet another coup which set us back by another couple of decades.

One can only hope that leaders of the present age have learnt from your mistakes.

Happy birthday sir.

This is a precise description of GEJ. So in other words Jonathan is Shagari 2.0

How did we get saddled with this kind of leaders?

Napolitano: Only presidents I can wish "happy Birthday"
Alhaji Tafawa Balewa
Gen Yakubu Jack Gowon
Murtala Muhammed
Muhammadu Buhari
Olusegun Obasanjo(after much consideration)

Yes, I think you have made a good list.
Alhaji Tafawa Balewa (for piloting independence.
Gen Yakubu Gowon for the introduction of credible programmes like NYSC and others.
Murtala Mohammed had a vision for the nation that never saw the light of day. He was a good man.
Gen Muhammadu Buhari for at least PTF
And Gen olusegun Obasanjo for returning power to civilian rule in the 80s.

Nigeria's today mess can only be traced back to most of our past leaders. Hence I find it real difficult celebrating with an ex Pres Shagari.

whats left to celebrate in a life where u impacted on no one, corruption was fife during his reign.
i vivdly rem his usual statements on telly, WE DONT WANT DIVISION , in that tick hausa accent.