Katsina State governor, Dikko Radda, has announced that the late ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari would buried today. He said the arrangement was done in consultation with deceased family and close associates in London.
The governor disclosed at a briefing that remains of the former President will arrive Katsina at noon today, adding that the burial will take place at 2pm in Daura, the home town of the late president.
Radda expressed deep condolences on behalf of himself, the state government, and the people of Katsina State to the family of the late president and all Nigerians mourning the loss of a national icon.
Earlier on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, arrived London, the United Kingdom, to receive the body of the late president.
The Nigerian delegation to the United Kingdom was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum; and others.
Meanwhile, mourners have trooped to Buhari’s residence in his Daura home town in Katsina State. Buhari’s neighbours, family members, closest friends and associates were seen in a sorrowful mood.
One of Buhari’s friends, Sulaiman Yarin-Katsina, said the late president’s simplicity made him to remain deeply connected to his community throughout his life.
One of Buhari’s neighbours, Alhaji Lawal Nalado, told reporters that Buhari was a leader who never allowed power to change his lifestyle or attitude towards those around him.
Nalado said Buhari was a humble and disciplined man, even before he rose to national prominence.
“He valued time, upheld daily prayers, and maintained respectful relationships with people of all ages.
Buhari will be remembered for his generosity, particularly during Sallah and other festive periods.
“During every Sallah celebration, he distributes money, food items, rams and other essential commodities to the less privileged. He never got tired of extending a helping hand to those in need,” Nalado said.
Another neighbour, Alhaji Hamisu Ibrahim, praised the former president for his steadfast commitment to his religion of Islam.
Ibrahim said beyond his public persona, Buhari was passionate about youth development and moral upbringing.
“He often advised young people to be disciplined, avoid drugs, and dedicate themselves to education and honest living,” Ibrahim said.
Although heavy security dominated Daura, including the entrance of the Daura Emirate Council, commercial activities continued uninterrupted along the major road leading to the deceased’s residence yesterday.
Some personalities who have visited the residence of the late former president, ahead of today’s burial include Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe; his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mukhtar Saulawa; Katsina APC Chairman, Sani Daura; State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Danmusa; former Katsina State SUBEB Chairman, Lawal Daura; and AIG Zone 14, Aliyu Musa.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday visited Vice President Kashim Shettima and his delegation in London as they paid tribute to the late former president Muhammadu Buhari.
