By Isaac Okoro
Abuja, Nigeria – The body of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to arrive in his hometown of Daura, in the northern state of Katsina, today, where he will be buried in the compound of his house. The former president passed away on Sunday at the age of 82, in a clinic in London, after a brief illness.
According to Katsina’s Governor Dikko Radda, who was with Buhari’s family in London, the former president’s remains will be flown directly to Katsina’s capital before being moved to his final resting place in Daura, 50 miles from the city. The plane, which is carrying Buhari’s body, is expected to land later today, although the exact time of arrival is not yet clear.
Buhari’s house is already filled with mourners, including friends, family, and well-wishers, who are awaiting the arrival of his corpse. The Nigerian government has declared today a public holiday to honor the former president, who served two four-year terms as a democratically elected president and was also a former army general.
A brief military ceremony will be held at the airport in Katsina, where President Bola Tinubu will personally receive the remains of the former president. The funeral, which was initially expected to take place on Monday, was delayed due to logistical reasons.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late leader, who was praised for his selflessness and commitment to duty. President Goodluck Jonathan, who was defeated by Buhari in the 2015 presidential election, described him as a man who “was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism”.
Former military ruler, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, also praised the former president, saying he was “a man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life”.
President Tinubu has declared a seven-day national mourning period in honor of his predecessor, during which all national flags will be flown at half-mast across the country. The president will attend the funeral prayer in Daura, where Buhari will be laid to rest.
The nation is expected to pay its final respects to the former leader with dignity and honor, and the funeral is expected to be a grand affair, with many dignitaries and officials in attendance. As the country mourns the loss of a former leader, Nigerians are remembering Buhari’s legacy and his contributions to the country’s development.
