Peter Obi: Why I couldn’t attend Buhari’s burial
By Jeffrey Agbo
Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has attributed his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari to logistical challenges, including restricted airspace and lack of available flights.
Buhari was buried on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State following his death on July 13 in a London hospital.
Obi said on Wednesday during a condolence visit to Buhari’s family in Daura, that efforts to travel to the event were frustrated by flight limitations imposed due to the influx of high-profile attendees.
“Yes, it was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights,” Obi said.
“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.”
Despite missing the burial, the former Anambra State governor emphasised that mourning is not confined to the day of interment.
“It is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning,” he said.
Obi also spoke fondly of his interactions with the late president, recalling a moment during his campaign when Buhari encouraged him to prioritise the well-being of Nigeria’s less privileged.
“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,” he said.
“And I believe he did his best within his capacity. I remember vividly his sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s death, Obi said it underscored the impermanence of both life and power.
“We all have to learn how to serve our country, knowing that one day we will be called back by our creator,” he said.
Top government officials, international dignitaries and traditional rulers attended Buhari’s burial.
