Shettima, Atiku, Obi Unite at Buhari’s Fidau in Daura

A special three-day Fidau prayer in honor of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, concluded on Wednesday at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.

The solemn gathering brought together an array of national figures, esteemed Islamic clerics, and dignitaries from all corners of the country. The prayer session was led by the Sarkin Malamai of Daura, Mallam Naziru Daura, who invoked Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the late statesman.

Among those who attended were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda. Also present was former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The event drew several notable personalities, including former Foreign Affairs Minister Babagana Kingibe, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa, former Katsina State Governor Bello Masari, and former Deputy Governor Mannir Yakubu. Others in attendance included Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, Health Minister Prof Ali Pate, Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, and former FCT Minister Muhammed Bello.

Among the other distinguished attendees were Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Senator Sani Zangon Daura, former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd).

The late President’s close relative and influential figure, Mamman Daura, also graced the occasion.

In addition, traditional rulers were well represented, including the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, the Emir of Potiskum, and the Emir of Gumel. They were joined by kingmakers and district heads from both the Katsina and Daura Emirates.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who stood in for President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, reflected on the inevitability of death, describing it as “a destiny that awaits every soul.”

He shared a personal account of a discreet assignment entrusted to him by President Tinubu during Buhari’s medical stay in London. “When President Buhari was undergoing treatment in London, Tinubu sent me on a very delicate mission to see him,” Shettima revealed. “It wasn’t a public affair — it was a private, highly sensitive engagement.”

ALSO READ : Know The Origin And Meaning of Nigeria’s 36 States Names

Though he withheld details of the mission, the Vice President used the moment to highlight the late leader’s significance, calling on attendees to view life as a temporary journey. “We are all like travelers at a station, waiting with our baggage for the train to arrive,” he said.

Shettima emphasized that Buhari’s passing was not just a personal loss to his family or the people of Daura and Katsina, but a loss felt across the entire nation.

Governor Dikko Radda, who led the Katsina State delegation, also offered prayers for the former President, asking for divine mercy and peace for his soul.

Governor Dikko Radda expressed the deep sorrow felt across Katsina State, describing the loss of former President Buhari as both personal and profound. “To us in Katsina, he was more than a leader — he was a father figure and a steady source of guidance throughout our journey,” he said.

He urged continued prayers for the late leader, emphasizing that remembrance through prayer must extend far beyond the day of the Fidau.

“May the Almighty accept his righteous deeds, pardon his shortcomings, and grant him eternal peace,” Radda prayed.

He also offered a heartfelt blessing to attendees, saying, “May Allah return each of you safely to your homes and continue to guide us as we strive to honor and preserve the legacy he has left behind.”

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Governor Dikko Radda urged leaders across the country to use the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a moment for introspection. “His death should remind us all to lead with the fear of God and a sense of accountability,” he said, calling for humility and reflection in positions of power.

Further prayers were led by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, who asked for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the late President’s soul.

Also paying his respects, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri made a condolence visit to Daura on Wednesday to sympathize with the bereaved family and honor the memory of the departed leader.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State paid a condolence visit to Daura, accompanied by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas and former Minister of Health, Dr. Aliyu Hong. Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Adamawa, Fintiri conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, Governor Fintiri described the former President’s death as a significant national loss. He praised Buhari’s legacy of patriotism, transparency, and integrity, calling him a model of humility and accountable leadership. “He was a statesman who served Nigeria with unwavering dedication and honor,” Fintiri noted.

Akpabio Leads National Assembly Delegation

Also on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio led a delegation from the National Assembly to Daura to offer their condolences.

During the visit, Akpabio remembered Buhari as “a true patriot and a man of principle who served Nigeria with distinction both in uniform and in civilian office.” He recounted how poor weather conditions had delayed their initial flight the day before, forcing them to circle the skies for hours before diverting to Abuja. “Still, we were determined to return today to pay our respects to a man who gave so much to this country,” he said.

Akpabio, who served in Buhari’s cabinet, highlighted the former President’s disciplined and humble nature. He also shared a personal story of how, during his tenure, he recommended naming a newly established Faculty of Law at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, after Buhari instead of himself — a testament, he said, to Buhari’s greater national significance.

Governor Radda welcomed the National Assembly delegation and reflected on his close personal bond with the late leader. “Since his retirement, I made it a point to visit Baba every few weeks. He constantly urged me to fear God, be fair, and serve the nation with love,” Radda shared.

Describing Buhari as calm and reserved in public, but warm and inspiring in private, Radda added, “His passing is not just a loss for Katsina State, but for Nigeria as a whole. For many of us, he was a guiding father figure.”