By Cross Udo, Abuja
A solemn prayer session held at the Daura residence of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari brought together Nigeria’s top political leaders, cutting across party lines.
Among the dignitaries present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe.
The prayer marked the second day of mourning for the former Nigerian leader, who passed away in London. Vice President Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s profound grief over the loss, describing Buhari’s death as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria but to the entire African continent.
“The loss personally pained the President,” Shettima said. “He sent me to London to visit the late President. I was there for two days. Upon his death, the President directed that I and the Chief of Staff accompany the body and the family home.”
According to Shettima, a formal ceremony is expected to conclude on Thursday, following consultations between Tinubu, the Buhari family, and the Katsina State Government. He said Nigerians from across the country are welcome to pay their respects, as Buhari was “not an ordinary person.”
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, also spoke at the event, saying Buhari’s passing was a significant loss to the state, the nation, and Africa at large. He urged leaders to uphold Buhari’s legacy of honesty, transparency, and accountability.
The event was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including several federal ministers, former cabinet members, and prominent northern leaders. Ministers present included Mohammed Idris (Information), Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim (Women Affairs), Abubakar Kyari (Agriculture), Balarabe Abbas (Environment), Abubakar Bagudu (Budget), and Lateef Fagbemi (Justice), among others.
Other notable figures included former NIA DG Rufai Ahmed, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, Emir of Daura HRH Alhaji Umar Farouk, former FCT Minister Musa Bello, and former Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu.
The prayer session underscored Buhari’s wide-reaching influence and the national and regional significance of his passing. As Vice President Shettima prayed for Buhari’s soul to find peace in Al-Jannah Firdaus, he reminded all present of the inevitability of death and the need for purposeful, value-driven leadership.
