President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday led a high-powered delegation of African leaders, past and present Nigerian political officeholders, traditional rulers, and citizens to Daura, Katsina State, for the final burial rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The late President was buried in his hometown, Daura, according to Islamic rites. The Janazah prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Alhaji Salisu Rabiu.
Prominent international dignitaries present included President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, and former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou — a clear sign of Buhari’s influence beyond Nigeria.
Top Nigerian leaders at the solemn occasion included Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice Presidents Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Also in attendance were Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Senators Kawu Sumaila, Abdulaziz Yari, Sani Bello, former Senators Abu Ibrahim and Yariman Bakura.
The nation’s security chiefs paid their last respects, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Retired military leaders such as former CDS Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai and former DSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi were also present.
Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda led the state delegation, with his deputy, Faruq Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the State Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, SSG Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, and other state officials present.
The federal government delegation included several ministers and presidential aides such as the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Information and National Orientation; Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari; and Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
Also in the delegation were former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami; former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and the President’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu.
Governors from various states across the country came in large numbers. Among them were AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), 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 Otu (Cross River).
Several former governors also paid their respects, including Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Yahaya Bello (Kogi).
The private sector was represented by business moguls such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, and Alhaji Dahiru Mangal.
Traditional rulers present included the Emir of Katsina, HRH Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; the Emir of Daura, HRH Alhaji Faruq Umar Faruq; and the Emir of Kano, HRH Aminu Ado Bayero.
The funeral prayer took place at the PMB Helicopter Ground in Daura and was attended by thousands of mourners, who came from across the country to honour the late former president.
Prayers were offered for Allah’s forgiveness for his shortcomings and for him to be granted Aljannatul Firdaus. Nigerians also prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family, the people of Daura and Katsina, and the entire nation mourning the passing of a national icon.
