*Tinubu, Inuwa Yahaya, Uba Sani, others pay final respects By; FUNMI ADERINTO In what can be best described as the end on an era, seve
*Tinubu, Inuwa Yahaya, Uba Sani, others pay final respects
By; FUNMI ADERINTO
In what can be best described as the end on an era, several dignitaries, led by President Bola Tinubu thronged Daura, the country home of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier this week, to witness his burial.
The solemn ceremony took place this on Tuesday evening in Daura, the late president’s hometown, where the Janaza (funeral prayer) was conducted in accordance with Islamic rites before his burial at his private residence.
The event drew national and international attention, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most influential statesmen.
Governor Sani, visibly moved during the proceedings, described the late Buhari as “a disciplined leader, a patriot of unmatched integrity, and a mentor to many of us in public service.”
Speaking to the press shortly after the prayer, he said, “Today, we laid to rest not just a former president but a symbol of sacrifice and uprightness. President Buhari’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of Nigerian leaders committed to nation-building, anti-corruption, and democratic values.”
Governor Sani emphasized Buhari’s deep roots in northern Nigeria and his unwavering commitment to national unity, adding that his death marks a profound loss for the country.
As part of the state delegation, Governor Sani stood alongside key figures such as President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several past and present governors, in a show of solidarity and respect for the late leader.
The burial was preceded by full state honors, in line with the federal government’s declaration of a seven-day mourning period and today’s Tuesday national public holiday.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was revered for his austere leadership style and commitment to reform.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Governor Sani prayed, as thousands gathered to bid farewell to a leader whose impact on Nigeria’s political and moral landscape remains indelible.
Meanwhile, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed in a press released dated 15th July 2025 said, the remains of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina Tuesday afternoon at approximately 2:00 PM aboard Nigerian Air Force Flight 5N-FGT 001, ahead of his final interment in Daura, his hometown.
The body of the elder statesman, who died in the United Kingdom after a brief illness, was received with full state honors by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, CFR, alongside Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda and his deputy, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe.
President Tinubu led a high-powered federal delegation including Vice President Kashim Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, among others.
The late President’s remains were accompanied from London by close family members and senior aides, including his nephew, Mallam Mamman Daura.
The arrival ceremony saw a convergence of regional and global dignitaries. Notably present were President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic, former Nigerian Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
A host of Nigerian governors also joined the solemn procession. Among them were Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Bassey Edet Otu (Cross River).
Prominent business leaders such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Sayyu Dantata, and Dahiru Mangal were also in attendance, alongside members of the Katsina State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, state commissioners, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders.
In a symbolic show of solidarity, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, welcomed the widow of the late President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, at the airport—a moment that underscored the deep emotional and national significance of the event.
The late President’s body was transported under tight security to Daura, where he was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Top government officials, traditional rulers, and party stalwarts paid glowing tributes, describing Buhari’s passing as the close of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political and moral history. His legacy, many said, would endure in the annals of Nigeria’s fight against corruption and for national integrity.
COMMENTS