In a poignant show of solidarity, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Saturday led a high-powered delegation of eminent Nigerian women to Daura, Katsina State, to commiserate with the family of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on July 13 and was laid to rest on July 15 in his hometown.
Accompanied by a distinguished entourage that included the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas; wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Barau; wives of state governors, ministers, top service chiefs, and other notable women, Senator Tinubu’s visit resonated deeply with emotion and national significance.
Paying glowing tribute to the late President, Remi Tinubu described Buhari as “not just a statesman, but a beacon of integrity, discipline, and unwavering patriotism.” She hailed his enduring legacy of nation-building, public service, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.
“His life was marked by an unflinching commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress,” the First Lady said solemnly. “He was a man of rare virtues—an embodiment of national service whose impact transcended borders and generations.”
The visit was punctuated by special prayers offered for the peaceful repose of the former leader’s soul.
In a separate but equally significant gesture, the First Lady, flanked by Katsina State Governor Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, led the delegation to the Palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, where they extended their condolences to the Daura Emirate Council.
“We are here not just out of duty but from a place of shared sorrow,” Mrs. Tinubu said, addressing the Emir. “My husband has lost a friend, a brother, and an ally. We came to pay our respects to a noble son of Daura—an icon who not only made your kingdom proud but uplifted the name of Nigeria on the global stage.”
She acknowledged the First Lady of the Daura Kingdom and urged the people of Daura to take pride in producing a man whose life’s work will remain etched in Nigeria’s history.
In his remarks, Governor Radda expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady for their unwavering support both during Buhari’s lifetime and after his passing.
“Mr. President demonstrated uncommon loyalty and patriotism,” Radda said. “He sent a powerful delegation to London to accompany the remains of our late father, declared a national holiday for his burial, and personally received the body at the airport. He then journeyed to Daura and stayed until Buhari was laid to rest.”
He added that Vice President Kashim Shettima and 25 federal cabinet ministers remained in Daura for three days to honor the late President, underscoring the depth of respect Buhari commanded.
“President Tinubu is not just a leader; he’s a true friend and pillar of support who honors loyalty with dignity,” Radda declared.
In his response, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady and her entourage, describing the visit as timely and deeply comforting.
He noted that the empathy shown by President Tinubu, his cabinet, and the First Lady transcends politics, emphasizing it as a rare demonstration of national unity and shared humanity in a time of grief.
“This visit and the President’s support will never be forgotten,” the Emir said. “It is a testament to true leadership and brotherhood. Daura will forever cherish this gesture and reciprocate the kindness shown.”
The emotionally charged visit by the First Lady and her delegation stands as a powerful testament to unity, honor, and the enduring legacies of true statesmanship.
PIONEER NEWS 