The second special prayer session in honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari was held on Thursday at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.
The session was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including political figures, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and diplomats from across Nigeria.
Notable attendees included former President of Benin Republic, Thomas Boni Yayi; former Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo; and Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, delivered a heartfelt tribute. He described the late Buhari as “one of the greatest sons of Africa,” whose life exemplified discipline, sacrifice, and integrity.
“In power, your friends know you. Out of power, you know your friends. In death, President Muhammadu Buhari has reminded the world of the value of honour,” Shettima remarked.
He assured Buhari’s family and the people of Katsina that the Federal Government remains committed to preserving his legacy. Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Shettima pledged to uphold the late President’s values and protect his family’s dignity.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Government, visiting dignitaries, and Nigerians for their support and compassion.
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“We thank President Tinubu for his empathy and for assigning 25 ministers to remain in Katsina since the passing of our father and leader. Their presence speaks volumes,” Radda said.
He also urged Nigerian leaders to reflect on Buhari’s passing. “Let this moment remind us all to fear God in our leadership,” he added.
Several senior federal ministers were present, including Minister of Information Mohammed Idris; Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Health Ali Pate; Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari; and Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar. Former ministers Hadi Sirika and Isa Ali Pantami also attended.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was among the governors in attendance, alongside Senators Abdulaziz Yar’Adua and Sani Zangon Daura, as well as House of Representatives member Usman Murtala Banye.
Other prominent figures included NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai (rtd); former Inspectors-General of Police Abubakar Sama’ila and Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar; former Comptroller-General of Customs Hameed Ali; and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. Security chiefs from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were also present.
Also in attendance were Special Adviser to the President, Yau Darazo; Mamman Daura, nephew of the late President; Lawal Kazaure, Chief of Protocol to the late President; and former presidential aspirant Bamanga Tukur.
Traditional leaders present included the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumin Kabir Usman; Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk; Emir of Bade; and Sultan of Maradi (Niger Republic), Ahmed Ali Zaki Maremawa, along with kingmakers and district heads from the Katsina and Daura Emirates.
The prayer session was led by a delegation of renowned Islamic scholars, including Abdullahi Bala Lau (National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah), Sani Yahaya Jingir (National Chairman of the Council of Ulama), Kabir Muhammad Haruna (National Secretary General of JIBWIS), Ahmad Sulaiman Ibrahim, and Ibrahim Ahmad Maqary (Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja).
Also present were Sheikh Yakubu Musa Sautus Sunnah of Katsina, Sheikh Mustafa (Chief Imam of Katsina Central Mosque), Naxiru Kofar Faru Daura, and Hassan Daura.
In a symbol of interfaith unity, Reverend Gerald Musa of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina offered prayers on behalf of the Christian community, reflecting the shared grief that transcended religious lines.
