ABUJA — A solemn prayer session for the repose of the soul of former President Muhammadu Buhari brought together Nigeria’s political elite across party lines in Daura, Katsina State, on Wednesday.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led the federal delegation to the late president’s residence, where he was joined by opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Others in attendance were former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; and several serving ministers and top government officials.
Speaking after the prayer, which marked the second day of mourning, Shettima said President Bola Tinubu was deeply saddened by Buhari’s death. He noted that Tinubu had previously sent him to London to visit the late president shortly before his passing.
“The President was personally pained by the loss. He sent me to London earlier to visit the late President, and when he answered the call of Allah, the President directed me and the Chief of Staff to accompany the family and the body back home,” Shettima said.
He described Buhari’s passing as a national and continental loss, adding that people from across the world had reached out to condole with President Tinubu.
Reflecting on the inevitability of death, Shettima urged Nigerians to live with purpose and preparation, likening life to a journey with everyone waiting for their train.
He prayed for Allah’s mercy on Buhari’s soul, asking that he be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus and that his family be comforted.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State also spoke at the gathering, describing the late president’s death as a great loss to the state, the nation, and Africa. He called on leaders to uphold Buhari’s legacy of transparency, accountability, and service to the people.
“Buhari lived and died for the people,” Radda said, as he encouraged continued prayers for the late leader.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris echoed similar sentiments, recalling the dignified burial ceremony witnessed by President Tinubu and people from all walks of life. “We are here to offer condolences and pray for the repose of his soul,” he said.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, praised Buhari’s leadership and anti-corruption efforts, describing him as a man of integrity who worked to improve the country’s economy.
The prayer session was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including:
- Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
- Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari
- Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas
- Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu
- Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN)
- Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud
- Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar
- Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo
Also present were former NIA Director General, Ambassador Rufai Ahmed; former Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika; former Communication and Digital Economy Minister, Prof. Ali Pantami; former FCT Minister, Malam Musa Bello; and the Emir of Daura, HRH Umar Farouk.
The final formal ceremony is scheduled to hold today, following consultations between President Tinubu, Buhari’s family, and the Katsina State Government.
