Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura on Sunday, drawing a wave of tributes from leaders across Africa and thousands of mourners who gathered to honour the man many described as a patriot, a soldier of discipline, and a leader of deep convictions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaru Sissoco Embaló, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine and former President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger, alongside former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, were among the dignitaries who witnessed the final rites.
Also present were state governors, former governors, cabinet ministers (past and present), captains of industry including Aliko Dangote and clerics from various faiths.
A Nation Bids Farewell
The military conducted full state honours, including a 21-gun salute, military procession, and Islamic funeral rites at his residence in Daura. At 5:50 PM, Buhari’s remains were lowered into the grave following prayers led by Islamic clerics.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, delivered a glowing biography, while a combined team of nine senior military officers served as pallbearers. Their slow, synchronized march to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” set a sombre tone that echoed across Daura.
Crowds surged around the residence, overwhelming security as citizens scrambled for a final glimpse of the late leader. Earlier, President Tinubu had personally received the remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport before they were transported to Daura in a motorcade.
Tributes: He Came, He Saw, He Conquered
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, described Buhari as a disciplined leader who “came, saw, and conquered,” noting his service during the War Against Indiscipline and his role in Nigeria’s oil sector reforms.
Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah praised Buhari’s humility and service, urging Nigerians to evaluate him beyond his presidency. “He was a good man who served this nation both in and out of uniform,” Kukah said.
Former Buhari spokesperson Femi Adesina revealed that Buhari’s reliance on foreign hospitals likely saved his life, attributing it to Nigeria’s lack of medical expertise. “He had to be alive to effect change,” Adesina said, defending Buhari’s medical trips abroad while noting that friends often funded his treatments.
Legacy of Integrity and Simplicity
From Ali Isa Pantami, who called Buhari the embodiment of integrity, to Aare Afe Babalola, who highlighted his discipline and respect for the rule of law, tributes emphasized Buhari’s austere lifestyle, love for country, and personal convictions.
“He never owned property in London, despite frequent visits,” Adesina revealed, noting that Buhari once stayed in the Nigerian High Commissioner’s apartment for months.
Buba Galadima, a former ally, described him as “humble to a fault,” admitting that while Buhari’s excessive trust in aides allowed abuses, his intentions were always for the people.
Beyond Politics
Chief Ayiri Emami, an APC chieftain, highlighted Buhari’s infrastructural legacy from the Second Niger Bridge to pipeline installations and rail lines. He lauded Buhari’s refusal to interfere in electoral processes, allowing opposition victories during his tenure.
Senator Seriake Dickson and others echoed that Buhari did his best for the nation. His daughter, Noor Buhari, posted an emotional message on Instagram, saying, “I’ll always carry your memory with me. I pray you’re granted the highest place in Jannah.”
Born in 1943, Muhammadu Buhari ruled Nigeria as a military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His final journey has ended, but the debate over his legacy will live on.
May his soul rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ameen.
