Our Reporter, Abuja
Mr. Peter Obi, has explained why he was absent at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which held on Tuesday, July 15, in Daura, Katsina State. He made this on disclosure Wednesday, via a post on his X handle.
Obi, who visited the late President’s family on Wednesday to pay his respects, said his failure to attend the funeral was due to unforeseen logistical challenges beyond his control.
“Yesterday morning, after a condolence visit to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, I tried to be in Daura, Katsina State to attend the burial of our late President Muhammadu Buhari.
“But all my efforts proved abortive, due to a logistical challenge beyond my control,” Obi said.
He explained that upon realizing he wouldn’t make it to the funeral, he immediately sent a message to a member of Buhari’s family to express his regrets.
“He graciously replied that it was quite understandable, and I made a promise to come today,” Obi added.
Fulfilling that promise, Obi visited the family on Wednesday, accompanied by Senators Ireti Kingibe and Okey Ezea, as well as Obidient Movement National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa. They joined Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, and other dignitaries in Daura to pay their last respects.
Reflecting on his interaction with President Buhari during the 2022 election campaigns, Obi said, “I recall vividly meeting with President Buhari in 2022 during my campaign. He said to me: ‘Peter, you seem to be everywhere and loved by the people. I wish you the best. Please, if you win, do not forget the poor.’”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate, described that moment as a lasting impression of Buhari’s concern for the underprivileged, adding that it should serve as a guiding principle for current and future leaders.
“His concern for the poor should remain a reminder to us all,” Obi noted.
Offering prayers for both the late President and the recently deceased Awujale of Ijebuland, Obi said, “May the Almighty God, who has called both our late President and the Awujale of Ijebuland to eternal rest, grant them peace and comfort their families, and indeed our dear nation. Their passing is a deep loss to Nigeria. May their legacies of service and dignity never be forgotten.”
