- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has explained reason behind his absence at the burial of late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
NPO Reported that Buhari was yesterday laid to rest at his residence in Daura, Katsina state.
The ex-president passed away on Sunday at a London hospital after prolonged illness.
In the wake of his demise, President Bola Tinubu had directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to accompany the body of his predecessor back home for a state burial.
Prior to the arrival of the body, several notable Nigerian dignitaries and foreign delegates had converged at Daura ahead of the burial.
Also present alongside leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) were opposition political leaders who shoved aside their political differences with the ruling party to honour the late former President.
However, Obi’s absence at the event was noticed and had since sparked controversies following discovery of his visitation to the royal house of late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ogun state.
The former Anambra state governor eventually made his to Daura on Wednesday for a condolence visit to Buhari’s family.
Addressing newsmen, Obi cited the difficulty in getting flight to Daura as reason behind his absence.
“It was difficult for me to come here yesterday because there was no flight. Even if there was a flight, we can’t land in Katsina airport. It was now closed because there was a lot of dignitaries. And it is believed that the mourning continues till tomorrow. So, whoever comes till tomorrow is still part of the mourning.” he said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s lifetime, Obi disclosed meeting him during his Presidential campaign.
“I had the opportunity to meet him while I was campaigning, and I remember his words to this day; ‘Please care for the poor Nigerians’.
“That is what I have always remembered. But I believe he did his best within his capacity.” He said.
On the lesson to be learnt from Buhari, Obi called for genuine service to the country.
“We have to all learn how to serve our country, knowing that one day we will all be called back by our creator.
“Like I said, I’m not close to him. I only met him during my campaign. I remember vividly with I call his sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor.” Obi added.