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By Oscar Okhifo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, led a high-powered federal delegation to receive the remains of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
The solemn ceremony took place at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport, Katsina, where Buhari’s body, draped in the Nigerian national flag, arrived aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft under tight security.
President Tinubu, visibly somber, was joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima; First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Also present were several ministers, governors, National Assembly members, and service chiefs.
They stood quietly on the tarmac as a ceremonial guard of honour moved the casket from the aircraft. A brief prayer was offered by Islamic clerics before the procession moved on.
Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, stood beside her children and close relatives, receiving condolences from dignitaries in an emotionally charged ambience that underscored the gravity of the loss.
The late president’s family was flown in earlier in preparation for the final rites.
The airport ceremony lasted just under 30 minutes, in keeping with Islamic customs, and was devoid of elaborate fanfare. Shortly after, the entourage departed for Daura, the late president’s hometown, where he is expected to be laid to rest later today according to Islamic rites.
Sources say arrangements have been made for a modest burial at his private residence in Daura, with a janazah prayer (Islamic funeral prayer) scheduled at the Daura Central Mosque.
Thousands of mourners, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political associates, are expected to attend.
Buhari, a retired Major General and Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, returned to lead the country as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures in recent history.
His death marks the end of an era and has sparked a wave of tributes from within and outside the country.