Nigeria, yesterday, bid an emotional farewell to one of its most iconic leaders, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday afternoon at the age of 82 in a London clinic.
Following days of national mourning and a solemn state funeral, his remains were laid to rest at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as the country’s democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, was remembered by leaders at home and abroad as a man of uncommon discipline, integrity, and unwavering patriotism.
The funeral was attended by a vast array of dignitaries including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President Ahmad Lawan. Governors from across the country, among them Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) were also present, alongside billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote.
Notably, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, attended with other prominent women, including the wives of key government figures. From the international community, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, and former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou joined other African leaders to pay their last respects.
The late President’s body was flown from London to Katsina aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet and received by President Tinubu and other top officials. A military honour guard comprising senior officers solemnly carried the national flag-draped casket through a ceremonial guard of honour, accompanied by the hymn God Be With You Till We Meet Again.
The final burial rites drew an immense crowd, with millions of Nigerians from all walks of life gathering in Daura to witness the Jana’iza prayer and interment. Security was tight, with personnel from the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Army maintaining order and managing the heavy human and vehicular traffic.
The Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, led other traditional rulers and community members in paying tribute to Buhari’s lifelong service to the emirate, Katsina State, and Nigeria. Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, led the funeral prayer, as religious leaders offered prayers for the repose of his soul.
In his eulogy, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a nationalist whose steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s unity, security, and the anti-corruption fight will forever shape our national conscience.” Many mourners echoed similar sentiments, pledging that his legacy of service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari’s decades-long career in the military and in politics left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. His administration undertook significant reforms in agriculture, infrastructure, and the battle against insurgency and corruption, even as it weathered criticisms and immense challenges.
As flags fly at half-mast across Nigeria and condolence messages pour in from the European Union, African Union, United States, United Kingdom, and other global bodies, the African Union hailed Buhari as “a pan-African elder statesman whose leadership inspired reforms far beyond Nigeria’s borders.”
As the earth was finally placed over his casket, Daura settled into a quiet, mournful reflection. In the words of many who gathered: “We will never forget him. His legacy, service, and sacrifice for the nation will live in our hearts forever.”
Though Muhammadu Buhari’s earthly chapter has closed, his story will continue to resonate through Nigeria’s political and historical landscape for generations to come.
