The World Converge and Pay Final Respects to Late President Muhammadu Buhari at Daura Burial
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
In a solemn yet historic gathering, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday led a high-powered delegation of Nigerian and African dignitaries to Daura, Katsina State, for the burial of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away over the weekend.
The final rites were conducted in accordance with Islamic rites at the PMB Helicopter Ground in Daura by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Alhaji Salisu Rabiu. The event drew a vast crowd of political leaders, religious clerics, traditional rulers, and citizens from across the country, highlighting the stature and influence of the late former leader.
President Tinubu was joined by notable African leaders, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Ali Lamine Zeine, and former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou, underscoring Buhari’s enduring legacy in West African politics and diplomacy.
Also in attendance were Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The convergence of past and present leaders at the event reflected a unifying moment in the nation’s political history.
Prominent members of the National Assembly were present, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Senator Kawu Sumaila, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Senator Sani Bello, former Senator Abu Ibrahim, and former Senator Yariman Bakura.
Nigeria’s security architecture was also well represented. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, were present. Former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Y. Buratai (rtd), and former DSS Director General, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, were also among the mourners.
Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda led the state delegation, comprising Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, and other members of the State Executive Council.
Federal government functionaries at the burial included Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and Minister of Agriculture Senator Abubakar Kyari. Also present were former Minister of Communications, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Governors from across the federation were also in attendance, led by Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Others included Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
The event also drew former governors such as Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina), Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Yahaya Bello (Kogi).
From the private sector, industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote, businessman Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, and Daura-born billionaire Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal were present. Also in attendance was Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu.
Traditional leaders who graced the solemn occasion 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, among others.
Mourners from all walks of life gathered in Daura to honor the late President, who served Nigeria both as a military Head of State and as a democratically elected leader. Known for his ascetic lifestyle, commitment to anti-corruption, and firm stance on national security, Buhari left a polarizing but indelible legacy.
During the funeral, prayers were offered for the repose of his soul and for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. Special prayers were also said for his family, the people of Daura, Katsina State, and the entire nation.
The massive turnout and emotional atmosphere signaled the deep respect many Nigerians and international stakeholders had for the late President.
