. . . Body arrives Katsina at noon for 2pm funeral

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today in Daura, Katsina State, receive the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The remains are due to arrive from London, the United Kingdom, where he died on Sunday.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and family members are expected to fly the body to the Katsina Airport in the Katsina capital at noon, from where it will be taken by chopper to Daura.

Daura is Buhari’s hometown, where he retired to after stepping down from office on May 29, 2023.

His burial is due to take place inside his modest house in the town at 2 pm.

President Tinubu will be joined at the solemn funeral ceremony in line with Islamic rites by former Niger Republic President Mahamadou Issoufou, and other present and former African leaders.

As of last night, many leaders who indicated interest in attending the Janaza prayers were expected to confirm their attendance, according to sources close to the funeral committee.

No fewer than 25 ministers will attend the programme.

Senate and House of Representatives leadership, governors, leading traditional rulers across the country, business leaders and other senior private and public officials will be there.

Daura, a small town, became choked with people last night.

But the tight security expected at the occasion may prevent the Talakawa – the downtrodden Nigerians who were the backbone of Buhari’s political support base – from attending the funeral.

A full military honour is expected at the event, beginning with the reception of the body at the Katsina airport.

Buhari was a General in the Nigerian Army who served twice as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, first as military head of state between January 1, 1985, and August 27, 1985, and as President between 2015 and 2023.

Since Buhari passed on, the Federal Government has taken many steps to honour the ex-leader.

President Tinubu declared a seven-day mourning period during which flags would fly at half-staff.

He dispatched the Vice President and Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to London to bring back the body and family members, led by the widow Aisha.

The country is today observing the public holiday declared to mark Buhari’s final exit.

An 18-man inter-ministerial committee led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is coordinating the funeral.

Members of the committee include ministers Wale Edun (Finance), Senator Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Abubakar Badaru (Defence), Dave Umahi (Works), Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation), Bunmi Ojo (Interior), Nyesom Wike (Federal Capital Territory (FCT), National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination Hajia Adisa Bala-Usman, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Mr.Tosin Ajayi, and the Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, among others.

Idris said yesterday: “In honour of the late President Buhari, President Tinubu has also directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers at the entrance of their offices for the public to pay their respects.”

Also, a central condolence register for the diplomatic community and the general public will be available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, said upon his arrival in London yesterday (Sunday), the Vice President met with members of the bereaved family to convey the President’s heartfelt condolences and solidarity at this trying time.

Shettima also visited Mallam Mamman Daura, a close confidant and nephew of the late President, who is currently recuperating in a London hospital.

He also visited former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who is recuperating after his discharge from the hospital.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who visited Vice President Shettima in London, paid tribute to the departed leader.

Nkwocha said the visit underscored the late President Buhari’s far-reaching influence and the respect he commanded both within Nigeria and on the African continent.

Tight security in Daura

Our correspondent sighted personnel from the Army and police stationed at strategic points, especially roads leading into the ancient town.

It was also observed that some dignitaries and friends of the Buhari family had arrived in Daura.

Before Buhari’s death, Shettima visited him at the hospital on the President’s directive.

He also visited Gen. Abdulsalami, who was recuperating after treatment.

During Shettima’s second visit yesterday, General Abdulsalami recalled the final moments he spent with the late President Buhari.

Abdulsalami said he was admitted to the same hospital in London as Buhari before his death.

Speaking in an interview on a national television programme, Abdulsalami said he had just been discharged when he received the news of Buhari’s demise.

The former military leader described Buhari’s death as a “big blow” to Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

He spoke with conviction that the late President could be trusted with anything without fear of betrayal.

Abdulsalami said: “Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I had been discharged (before Buhari died).

“So, when I heard the news of his passing away, I quickly went there to condole with the family and see what could be done to get the remains ready to be taken home.”

Reflecting on his decades-long relationship with the deceased, Abdulsalami said this dates back to 1962 when they both joined the Nigerian military.

“He was my senior, and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector,” Abdulsalami said.

The former military Head of State described the late Buhari as “a gentleman who was very quiet and exceptionally honest”.

He added: “You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he would not betray you.”

Abdulsalami also praised Buhari’s anti-corruption stance during his military and civilian tenures, highlighting the late President’s introduction of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) in 1984.

Assessing Buhari’s record in office, Abdulsalami acknowledged that some officials in his administration fell short of expectations.

“When he became a democratic president, he tried his best to fight corruption.

“Unfortunately, some of the officials who served with him were found wanting. They didn’t do as much as was expected of them.

“With the passing of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better,” he added.

According to him, the late Buhari’s life was defined by duty, loyalty, and a desire to instil national values and qualities that Nigeria must not forget.

“Despite his quiet nature, he was strong in character and consistent in principle.

“We have lost a patriot who tried to make Nigeria better.

“His death is not just a loss to his family but to the entire nation,” Abdulsalami added. (The Nation)