Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has revealed that travelling to Katsina to attend the burial ceremony of late former President Muhammadu Buhari was a logistical challenge due to the influx of dignitaries and restricted access to the airport.
Obi, who spoke in an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, said “Yes, it was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights. Even if you have a flight, you can’t land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because there were a lot of dignitaries.”
Despite the challenges, Obi emphasised the importance of honouring the memory of the late president, whom he described as a leader committed to the plight of the poor.
“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,'” Obi recalled.
“That’s what I always remember. And I believe he did his best within his capacity.”
Reflecting on the late president’s legacy, Obi added “We have to all learn how to serve our country knowing that one day we will all be called back by our creator.”
He described Buhari’s appeal for compassion toward the poor as sincere and enduring, noting that it should guide the nation’s leaders even in his absence.
The former Anambra State governor also alluded to the broader economic struggles Nigerians continue to face, referencing the challenges around travel and rising costs, although his comments on that front remained brief and metaphorical.
“The mourning continues to tomorrow. So, whoever comes day tomorrow, is still part of the mourning,” he said, in a remark that appeared to lament the hardship and economic burden of the times.
Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London, was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura with full military honours. The funeral drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and abroad, despite the logistical hurdles.
Chioma Kalu
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