Nwoko Explains Senate Delegation’s Absence at Buhari’s Burial

Senator Ned Nwoko has revealed that the Nigerian Senate delegation was unable to attend the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari due to severe air traffic congestion at the Katsina airport.

In a statement posted on Thursday via his verified X account, the senator representing Delta North said repeated landing attempts at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport were unsuccessful, forcing the delegation to return to Abuja.

“On Tuesday, efforts to attend the burial rites of our late former president, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, were thwarted due to severe air traffic and the unavailability of parking space at the Katsina airport,” Nwoko said.

“After several failed landing attempts, we had no choice but to return to Abuja.”

Buhari died on Sunday in a London clinic after a prolonged illness and was buried at his residence in Daura, Katsina, on Tuesday.

Nwoko, however, said he later travelled to Daura with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers to offer their condolences.

“Yesterday, I was in Daura in the company of the president of the senate, his excellency senator Godswill Akpabio, and other distinguished colleagues to pay a condolence visit to the family of our departed leader,” he said.

“We offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and sought Almighty Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on his behalf. May he be granted Aljannah Firdaus.”

The delegation also visited the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda.

“President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR was a statesman of rare integrity. His contributions to Nigeria’s political and moral landscape will remain indelible,” Nwoko added.