The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has revealed that logistical problems made it impossible for him to attend the funeral of former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari who was buried in his Daura country home in Katsina State on Tuesday.
Some Nigerians had taken to the social media to express surprise that the former governor of Anambra State was not among prominent Nigerians that attended the state funeral personally supervised the burial of the former president who died on Sunday in a London hospital.
However, on Wednesday, Mr. Obi in company with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governor of Kaduna State and other top politicians were in Daura to pay their condolences to former First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and members of the Buhari family
In statement he issued on Wednesday evening after his visit to Daura, Mr. Obi stated that he had earlier paid a condolence visit to the palace of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona who also passed-on on Sunday at the age of 91.
The LP presidential candidate explained that he had tried to join other Nigerians in Daura to pay last respect to former President Muhamamdu Buhari, “but all my efforts proved abortive, due to the logistical challenge beyond my control.”
His full statement reads:
“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 the logistical challenge beyond my control.
“I immediately sent a message to a member of late President Buhari’s family explaining my situation. He graciously replied that it was quite understandable, and I made a promise to come today.
“Today, accompanied by Senators Ireti Kingibe, Okey Ezea, and Obidient National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa, I was in Daura with Vice President Shettima, Former Vice President Atiku, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Radda of Katsina, Governor Zulum of Borno State, and many other dignitaries, to pay our last respects to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and to console his family.
“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. And I wish you the best, please, if you win, do not forget the poor.”
“That moment has been the thought I have had since the news of his demise. His concern for the poor should remain a reminder to us all.
“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, as their passing is a deep loss to Nigeria. May their legacies of service and dignity never be forgotten.
– PO.