Tinubu Pays Last Respect to Buhari

By Ade Iyamoye 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday paid his last respect to former President Muhammadu Buhari in a state-coordinated burial ceremony marked with national dignity, solemnity, and full military honours.

Leading the federal delegation to Katsina, Tinubu arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport shortly before 2 p.m., where he received Buhari’s remains with a sombre guard of honour.

Draped in the Nigerian flag, the late president’s casket was carried by service chiefs as a 21-gun salute echoed across the airfield, symbolizing the nation’s final salute to its departed leader.

The president, accompanied by top government officials and military brass, stood in solemn reflection before the casket, paying tribute to the man he succeeded in 2023.

From the airport, Tinubu proceeded to Buhari’s hometown of Daura, where he joined family, friends, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and West Africa for the Janā’izah (Islamic funeral prayer) and internment.

In a show of national unity and reverence, Tinubu had earlier declared a seven-day period of mourning, during which all flags across the country were ordered to fly at half-mast.

He also declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the late president, describing Buhari as “a patriot who served with integrity and left an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic journey.”

Addressing mourners at the burial, Tinubu praised Buhari’s legacy, saying, “Nigeria has lost one of its most disciplined and principled sons. He was a statesman who gave his all to the nation. It is our duty to uphold the values he stood for honesty, accountability, and service.”

The funeral rites drew a large crowd of sympathisers, including the President of Guinea-Bissau, the Prime Minister of Niger Republic, traditional rulers, state governors, and religious leaders.

Buhari was buried at his residence in Daura in accordance with Islamic rites, with prayers led by prominent clerics.

President Tinubu’s presence and leadership at the ceremony underscored the continuity of leadership and the respect accorded to Nigeria’s past leaders, even in death.

His emotional tribute and personal involvement in the burial arrangements struck a chord with many Nigerians, reinforcing a moment of national unity and sober reflection.