The Emir of Daura, Umar Faruq-Umar, says the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari was the most dignified state burial he has witnessed, crediting President Bola Tinubu for the gesture.
Speaking at his palace in Daura, Katsina State, on Saturday while receiving a delegation of governors’ wives led by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the emir expressed his support for Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.
“I am thankful to President Bola Tinubu, a good person I have been with in the last 30 years. The world can testify to what the president did to this state and the Daura Emirate. I am 97 years old, I have never seen a befitting state burial and honour done by a president like what Tinubu has done to Muhammadu Buhari,” the emir said.
“He came in person, spent days mourning the late former president, declared a public holiday for him, approved a presidential jet for the conveyance of the corpse, and was up and doing throughout the period. Now, he sent the First Lady, the wife of the Vice President, and the governors’ wives,” he added.
Toward the end of his remarks, the emir stood up and said, “This respect and honour shown to us by the president will not be forgotten; we are going to reciprocate it. This is why in 2027 we are going for Tinubu.” His statement was followed by a smile from Governor Dikko Radda and a bow from Mrs Tinubu after someone translated it for her.
Earlier, Mrs Tinubu said her presence in Daura was not just official, but also personal.
“We are not here today merely out of duty. We are here because this loss is deeply personal,” she said.
“My husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has lost not just a former Head of State, but a trusted ally and friend of over 30 years. President Muhammadu Buhari was a man of integrity and discipline, who brought honour not only to Daura but to the entire nation.
“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus. May He comfort the family and all those grieving this tremendous loss,” she said.
Mr Buhari died in a London hospital at the age of 82 and was buried on Tuesday at his residence in Daura.
