The three-day Fidau prayer for the late Muhammadu Buhari, former President of Nigeria, was held on Wednesday at his residence in Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State, according to Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.
Prominent Islamic scholars led special prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased. They also prayed for strength, guidance, and fortitude for the late President Buhari’s family to bear the irreparable loss.
The special prayer session was led by the Sarkin Malamai of Daura, Malam Naziru Daura who offered prayers seeking Allah’s forgiveness for President Buhari.
Minister of Labour and Employment Alhaji Maigari Dingiyaɗi, was among those who also offered prayers and delivered moving tributes (du’a) in honour of the late President.
Professor Isa Ali Pantami led an additional session of prayers, asking for Allah’s mercy on the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The event drew distinguished dignitaries, family members, diplomats, and sympathisers who came to attend the session.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the occasion, also offered prayers for the late President.
In his address, Vice President Shettima said:“Every soul shall taste the torment of death. Death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck.
“We should all consider ourselves as travelers with our bags and baggage waiting for the train. May Allah grant the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari eternal rest and reward him with his Al-Jannah gifts.
“May Allah accept his good deeds, forgive his shortcomings, and protect the family he has left behind. It wasn’t a loss to the family alone, or to the people of Daura or Katsina State — it was a national loss.”
Also offering prayers was Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, who prayed for the late leader, stating:“For we, the people of Katsina State, it is indeed a great loss. We have lost a father, a guide, who supported us throughout our journey. All we have to do today — and beyond today, forever — is to continue to pray for his departed soul.
“May Almighty Allah accept all his good deeds, and forgive his wrongdoings. May Allah return each one of you to your final destination safely and continue to guide us all to uphold the legacies he left behind.”
Governor Radda called on leaders to reflect on the death of Muhammadu Buhari, “so that it may serve as a lesson to us to fear God in our leadership of power.”
Radda led the State Government delegation, which included Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, and members of the State Executive Council.
Also in attendance was Alhaji Sani Aliyu Daura, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside other senior state officials.
Dignitaries in attendance included: former Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Baba Gana Kingibe, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Labour Maigari Dingiyaɗi, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, former Deputy Governor Mannir Yakubu, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, President Buhari’s nephew Mamman Daura, Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Budget and National Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Health Ali Pate, Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, former Minister of Communications Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, Senator Sani Zangon Daura, former DG NIA Ahmed Rufai, and former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Y. Buratai.
Traditional leaders present included the Emir of Daura, HRH Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, Emir of Potiskum, Emir of Gumel, along with kingmakers and district heads from both Katsina and Daura Emirates.
Heads of key security agencies were also in attendance, including leadership from the Department of State Services (DSS), NDLEA Boss Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
