By Anas Abbas
Leaders, dignitaries, and heads of state are gathering in Daura, Katsina State, to pay their final respects to Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Muhammadu Buhari who passed away at the age of 82 in a London hospital on Sunday.A significant number of high-profile guests have arrived in Buhari’s hometown for the solemn Jana’iza ceremony.
Among those in attendance is Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accompanied by prominent female dignitaries such as Mrs. Fatimah Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Hajia Laila Barau, wife of the Deputy Senate President; Barrister Zarah Ribadu, wife of the National Security Adviser; and Mrs. Abu Ibrahim.
Governors from various states are also present, including Dauda Lawal from Zamfara State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu from Lagos State, who was seen arriving with billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote.
The Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, was welcomed in Katsina by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and is among a growing number of West African leaders coming to honor the late Nigerian leader.
Yemi Osinbajo, who served as Buhari’s Vice President throughout his two terms, has also made his way to Katsina for the funeral.
Additionally, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar returned from an international business trip to pay tribute to Buhari, as confirmed by publisher Dele Momodu.
In light of the gathering, security measures have been heightened across Katsina as traditional leaders, senior government officials, and foreign delegations arrive from across Africa to participate in the funeral proceedings, which will adhere to Islamic rites.