Nigeria's former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has been laid to rest. Image: DW.
(The Post News)– Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has been buried at his home in northern Nigeria, two days after passing away at the age of 82 in London. His body was flown back to Nigeria and received by his successor, Bola Tinubu, at the airport in Katsina State.
The funeral procession then proceeded to Buhari’s hometown of Daura, where hundreds of people gathered for Islamic funeral prayers at the central mosque. After the prayers, Buhari was laid to rest in a grave on the grounds of his home, surrounded by dignitaries including Tinubu and Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
As part of the burial ceremony, military gunshots were fired, and the Nigerian flag that covered Buhari’s body was removed, folded, and handed over to his family. This marked the final farewell to the former leader.
The Nigerian government had declared Tuesday a public holiday to honor Buhari’s memory. As a former army general and democratically elected president, Buhari’s legacy is notable in Nigerian history. The funeral was initially scheduled for Monday but was delayed due to logistical reasons.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who accompanied Buhari’s body back to Nigeria, revealed that the former president had passed away after a brief illness. However, no further details about his condition were disclosed.
Tributes poured in for Buhari from various leaders and former officials, praising his commitment to duty and patriotism. Goodluck Jonathan, whom President Buhari defeated in 2015, described him as a selfless leader who served the country with character.
Even former military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, paid tribute to the former leader. Babangida praised Buhari’s modesty in public life and his role as a moral compass for many Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu declared a seven-day national mourning period in honor of Buhari. In a condolence statement, Tinubu said the nation would pay its final respects to the former leader with dignity and honor, starting with the lowering of national flags to half-mast across the country.
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