Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has explained why he was unable to attend former President Muhammadu Buhari's burial ceremony in Daura on Tuesday.
According to Obi, his absence was due to significant logistical challenges, including flight unavailability and air traffic restrictions implemented to accommodate the high-profile dignitaries attending the funeral.
"Yes, it was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights," Obi explained. "Even if you had a flight, you couldn't land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because of the number of dignitaries attending the burial."
The former Anambra State governor noted that the mourning period continues beyond the burial day. "It is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning," he added.
Reflecting on his relationship with the late president, Obi shared a poignant memory from their meeting during his presidential campaign. "I had the opportunity of meeting him while I was campaigning, and I remember his words to this day: 'Please care for the poor Nigerians'. That's what I always remember," Obi recounted.
He expressed his belief that Buhari "did his best within his capacity" and emphasized the former president's "sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor."
In a philosophical reflection, Obi remarked that Buhari's passing serves as a sobering reminder of the temporary nature of both power and life itself.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Monday in a German hospital at the age of 81, after battling an undisclosed illness. His remains were flown back to Nigeria and buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, according to Islamic rites.
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