Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says he was unable to attend the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday due to flight restrictions.
Obi briefed journalists on Wednesday shortly after paying a condolence visit to the family of the late president in Daura, Katsina state.
The former Anambra state governor also said air traffic was restricted to accommodate visiting dignitaries attending the funeral.
“Yes, it was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights,” he said.
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“Even if you have a flight, you can’t land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because there were a lot of dignitaries.”
Obi said his visit on Wednesday was still within the mourning window, adding that respect for the dead goes beyond the burial day.
“And it is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning,” he said.
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Obi said his decision to travel to Daura despite the logistical hurdles was motivated by his respect for Buhari, who, he recalled, once urged him to prioritise the welfare of poor Nigerians.
“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 the finality of life, Obi said the late president’s death is a reminder of the need to serve selflessly.
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“We all have to learn how to serve our country, knowing that one day we will be called back by our creator,” he said.
Buhari, who died on Sunday in London, was buried at his Daura residence on Tuesday with full military honours.
