‘I am alive’, says Shagari appeals on politicians to shun voilence during 2015 polls

Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Monday called on Nigerians,

especially politicians, to give peace a chance ahead of the March 28 presidential elections in the country.

He spoke against the backdrop of rumours making the rounds in the social media that he was dead.

Speaking with journalists at his residence at Sama road in Sokoto on Monday, Shagari reminded politicians in the country of the need to put Nigeria first no matter their ambition.

According to him, nobody should sponsor or perpetrate violence in the name of politics, as it is not a do or die affair.

He emphasized that anybody  who sponsored or perpetrated violence was working against the interest of Nigerians.

"As Nigerians go to the polls on Saturday, it behoves on all Nigerians to put Nigeria first irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.

"God gives power to whoever He wishes and takes leadership. Nobody should sponsor or perpetrate violence as the country belongs to all of us.

"So, politicians in the country should strive hard for a united Nigeria and refrain from doing anything that will destroy the country," Shagari said.