Quick Rundown:
- Buhari’s body arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina.
- Vice-President Kashim Shettima accompanied the body from London.
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other top officials were present to receive the body.
- A public holiday was declared in Nigeria to honor the late president.
- Buhari will be buried in his hometown of Daura following Islamic rites.
Buhari’s Final Journey: Body Arrives in Katsina
The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari reached Katsina State, signaling the commencement of his last voyage to his hometown, Daura, where he will be laid to rest. The presidential aircraft carrying his body touched down at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport at 1:53 pm on Tuesday.
High-Profile Arrival: Tinubu, Shettima, and Dignitaries Pay Respects
Vice-President Kashim Shettima accompanied the late president’s body from London, where Buhari passed away on Sunday after battling a prolonged illness at the age of 82. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was at the airport to receive the former president’s body, along with several state governors, cabinet members, and top government officials. The casket, draped in the national colors, was solemnly received by the guard of honor before being moved to a waiting convoy.
A Nation Pauses: Public Holiday Declared
Nigeria came to a standstill as the federal government declared a public holiday to honor the late statesman. This followed President Tinubu’s earlier proclamation of a seven-day period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country. A special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday was postponed to allow top officials and cabinet members to attend the burial.
From Military Leader to Elected President: Buhari’s Legacy
Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari first served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985. Decades later, he returned to power through the ballot in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate in Nigerian history to defeat a sitting president. He was re-elected in 2019 and served until May 2023. His tenure was marked by efforts to combat corruption and insecurity, though these were met with varying degrees of success. Buhari’s administration also focused on diversifying the economy and improving infrastructure.
The Significance of Daura: Final Resting Place
Daura, Buhari’s hometown, holds significant cultural and personal importance. The decision to bury him there underscores his deep connection to his roots and heritage. Islamic funeral prayers and burial rites will be conducted, allowing family, friends, and the community to pay their final respects.
Reactions and Tributes: A Nation in Mourning
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and the international community, recognizing Buhari’s contributions to the nation. Many recall his commitment to public service and his efforts to instill discipline and integrity in governance. However, his legacy remains a subject of debate, with varying perspectives on the impact of his policies.
Additional information
- Historical Context: Buhari’s rise to power in 2015 marked a significant moment in Nigerian political history, as it was the first time an opposition candidate defeated a sitting president through the ballot box.
- Economic Policies: During his presidency, Buhari’s administration implemented various economic policies aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil revenues.
- Security Challenges: Buhari’s tenure was marked by ongoing security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency and conflicts between farmers and herders.