A Nation in Mourning: Tinubu, Ex-Leaders Bid Farewell to Buhari in Daura
On a somber Monday morning, July 14, 2025, the ancient town of Daura in Katsina State stood still as Nigeria’s most prominent leaders gathered to pay their final respects to former President Muhammadu Buhari. The revered statesman, who died at 82 in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest in his hometown in a ceremony steeped in Islamic tradition and national reverence. From President Bola Tinubu to former heads of state like Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, and Goodluck Jonathan, the gathering was a poignant testament to Buhari’s towering legacy, and a moment that gripped the nation’s heart.
The air in Daura was heavy with grief as the late president’s body arrived, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who had been dispatched by Tinubu to oversee the dignified return from London. Crowds lined the dusty streets, their faces a mix of sorrow and pride, as they honored a man who had shaped Nigeria’s history as both a military ruler (1984–1985) and a democratically elected president (2015–2023). For many, Buhari was more than a leader, he was a symbol of discipline, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
A Farewell Fit for a Statesman
The burial, conducted swiftly in line with Islamic rites, was a blend of solemnity and grandeur. President Tinubu, dressed in a flowing white agbada, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigeria’s political giants, their presence underscoring the magnitude of the moment. Obasanjo, his face etched with reflection, recalled Buhari’s “uncompromising stance on national unity.” Babangida, frail yet resolute, spoke of their shared military past, while Jonathan hailed Buhari’s “quiet strength” in navigating Nigeria’s turbulent years. The gathering wasn’t just a funeral, it was a rare convergence of Nigeria’s past and present, a moment that felt like history folding in on itself.
Tinubu, in a heartfelt tribute, described Buhari as “a patriot, soldier, and statesman whose life was a testament to service.” He announced that national flags would fly at half-staff for seven days, a gesture mirrored by the somber mood across Nigeria’s 36 states. An emergency Federal Executive Council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, to honor Buhari with full state honors, a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated decades to public service.
Whispers of Legacy and Controversy
Behind the solemnity, whispers of Buhari’s complex legacy rippled through the crowd. To his supporters, he was the incorruptible general who fought for Nigeria’s economic stability and security, notably against Boko Haram’s insurgency. His “Next Level” campaign in 2019 had promised progress, and many in Daura credited him with infrastructure projects that brought roads and schools to the north. Yet, critics murmured about the economic hardships and rising debt during his tenure, issues that sparked heated debates even in his final days.
One mourner, a local trader named Aisha, wiped tears as she shared her thoughts: “Buhari tried for us. He wasn’t perfect, but he loved Nigeria. Who can say they’ve done more?” Her words captured the duality of Buhari’s legacy, a man adored by many, yet scrutinized by others. Social media buzzed with tributes and debates, with hashtags like #BuhariLegacy and #DauraMourns trending on X, reflecting the nation’s divided yet deeply emotional response.
A Personal Touch Amid National Grief
The burial wasn’t just a state affair; it was deeply personal for Daura’s residents. Buhari, born in this very town in 1942, was their son, their pride. Women ululated softly, and elders recounted tales of a young Buhari, the lanky boy who rose from humble beginnings to lead a nation. His family, visibly moved, stood at the heart of the ceremony, accepting condolences from dignitaries and ordinary Nigerians alike.
President Tinubu’s presence added a layer of intrigue. As Buhari’s successor and a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), which Buhari helped build, Tinubu’s attendance was both a duty and a statement. Political analysts noted the optics: a southern president honoring a northern icon, a subtle nod to Nigeria’s delicate regional balance. Yet, Tinubu’s somber demeanor suggested a personal loss, a reminder that even political rivals share a human bond in moments of grief.
A Nation Reflects
As the sun set over Daura, the burial concluded, but the nation’s reflection was just beginning. Buhari’s death marks the end of an era, one defined by his austere leadership and unwavering principles. For some, he was the last of Nigeria’s old guard, a bridge between its military past and democratic present. For others, his passing is a chance to reassess the challenges he left behind, challenges Tinubu now faces as he leads a nation grappling with economic strain and insecurity.
The streets of Daura emptied, but the echoes of Buhari’s life lingered. From the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of Katsina, Nigerians shared stories of a leader who, for better or worse, shaped their lives. As one X user posted, “Buhari wasn’t perfect, but he was ours. Rest well, General.”
In the days ahead, Nigeria will continue to mourn, reflect, and debate. But for now, Daura holds its breath, cradling the memory of a son who became a giant.
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