Nigeria's new President-elect, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has pledged to maintain political stability in the country. Speaking on Friday (17 August) at his first major news conference since being elected, he said political stability was vital for the country's economic and Social development.
At the news conference, held in Lagos the day after his election, Alhaji ??? said his victory was a victory for all Nigerians. In accepting the appointment the President would honour its campaign promise of building a new nation where everybody would be free to pursue his livelihood.
The President elect was born at Yabo, Sokoto in 1925. A trained teacher he has secretary of the former Northern People's Congress from 1951 to 1956. He was an MP from 1954 to 1966 during which time he held two cabinet posts. When he assumes office on October 1 he will have to contend with a national assembly in which his party does not have a majority. His National Party has 36 members in the 95 seat Senate and 168 members in the 449 seat House of Representatives.