•Ozekhome: It’s overkill, unreasonable amid poverty, insecurity, public despair
•Buhari didn’t stand for flamboyance, stop pretending to mourn him, CISLAC warns
•HURIWA flays double standards on Buhari’s death, mass killings in Benue, Plateau
•State funeral for ex-president holds in Daura today as nation observes public holiday

The National Assembly’s decision to suspend legislative activities for one week in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has drawn criticism from stakeholders who accuse lawmakers of exploiting the tragedy for personal convenience.

While the legislative arm of government announced the suspension as a mark of respect for Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, in London, observers maintained that the move lacks sincerity and may be politically motivated.

A statement issued yesterday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said: “In honour of his legacy and service to the nation, I am directed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to inform members of the National Assembly and the general public that all legislative activities are suspended immediately until Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

“All members of the National Assembly are urged to reschedule their engagements to enable full participation in the burial activities of the late President. On behalf of members and staff of the National Assembly, the leadership of both chambers extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

However, constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Chief Mike Ozekhome, faulted the Assembly’s decision, describing it as excessive and ill-timed in a nation grappling with serious socio-economic challenges.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said while it was appropriate to honour the former president, who also served as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, dedicating an entire week of legislative inactivity was “an overkill.”

“Yes, it is good to honour President Buhari. He was a two-time Head of State and a man who did well for himself and for Nigeria in his own way,” Ozekhome said. “But at a time of grinding poverty, rising insecurity, and public despair, shutting down all legislative activity for a whole week is unreasonable.”

He questioned the impact of such a decision, particularly as both plenary and committee sessions in the Senate and House of Representatives were suspended under the directive of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

“Suspending everything completely for seven days? That’s too much. Two days would have been enough to pay tribute and continue the nation’s work,” he added.

Ozekhome also lamented the symbolism of Buhari dying in a foreign country despite efforts during his presidency to upgrade local healthcare infrastructure. “I would have preferred he died peacefully in Nigeria to preserve our national dignity. How many world leaders die outside their countries?” he asked.

While praying for Buhari’s eternal rest, he offered a pointed reflection: “This is a clarion call for the leadership of our country that no one knows tomorrow, and death follows us like a second skin, like a shadow.

“If the hospitals in Nigeria were fully upgraded by Buhari during his eight-year rule to international standards, he probably would not have travelled out for that. You go to the UK for treatment when you consider the cost and every other challenge.”

He urged the National Assembly to strike a balance between paying respect and fulfilling their constitutional duties to a nation in distress.

According to Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate and the House of Representatives are each required to sit for a minimum of 181 days within a legislative year. However, the National Assembly has consistently fallen short of this benchmark in recent years. In response, it amended its internal rules to count committee meetings and oversight functions as part of its sitting days.

With both chambers convening only three days a week and frequently observing multiple holidays—including a six-week end-of-session recess, a three-week Christmas break, and Muslim and Christian religious holidays—meeting the constitutionally mandated number of sitting days has remained a persistent challenge. The latest week-long suspension further compounds this shortfall.

ALSO, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, dismissed the gesture as a smokescreen for lawmakers to embark on a recess unrelated to national mourning.

He observed that many lawmakers had shown little regard for Buhari’s ideals while he was alive and were now using his death as a cover to abscond from duty.

“They just wanted to go on holiday. It has nothing to do with the death of Buhari. When Yar’Adua died, we didn’t see this. If they really respected Buhari, they would emulate his values. That is discipline, simplicity, and accountability. Buhari was not known for flamboyance or scandal. The only way to honour Buhari is to live by his principles, not by pretending to mourn him,” he said.

For his part, the Secretary General of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, Prof. Charles Nwekeaku, described the suspension of legislative activities and the deployment of top officials to accompany the president’s corpse from London as wasteful and politically motivated.

He said that public resources used for these activities could have been better invested in education, healthcare, and welfare, adding that students and teachers continue to suffer while the government embarks on ceremonial distractions.

Nwekeaku said, “The Nigerian government is not serious. Our leaders are not serious. They sent the vice president, among other personalities, to accompany the corpse home. What are the responsibilities of the Nigerian embassy? Why would the federal government be so reckless? There are resources involved in sending these officials there.

“They are not helping the dead. They are not helping him in any way. I’m sure that the person in question, if he were alive, wouldn’t want such money to be wasted.

“He would have preferred that the money be used for another thing. What are the duties of our embassy? If the Nigerian embassy in London cannot handle it, they could have asked other adjoining embassies in other European countries to join instead of asking officials from here to go. And then you declare one week, no work.

“I think what I observe is that they have assumed this incident as a campaign issue for 2027. And that’s why they are doing this jamboree. And that’s why the government is pretending to be doing all these.

“But I believe that Buhari would have preferred that the government put those resources to better use. Many Nigerians are hungry. Our students lack facilities in universities.”

National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, also faulted the decision by the lawmakers.

He described the National Assembly as a rubber stamp institution with no serious legislative agenda.

He said: “I see no reason why the National Assembly will suspend legislative activities. In fact, this National Assembly is just a rubber stamp institution because they are not doing anything. If they had anything tangible to do, they wouldn’t have suspended legislative activities.

“Suspending legislative activities is as good as holding the country to ransom. Buhari is dead, and the only thing he needs now is prayers. As far as we are concerned, you can pray for him from wherever you are. Suspending legislative activities is not what the late President needs at this hour. What he needs at this very hour is prayer.

“Therefore, this decision by the lawmakers is just to prove the assumption of Nigerians that it is just a rubber stamp assembly. They don’t have anything to do. They are not legislating on anything or bringing reforms that will benefit Nigerians. They are just there, and whenever the executive sends anything, they will just stamp it without even thoroughly looking at what the document contains. They don’t care about the country or about the well-being of Nigerians.”

JOINING in the criticism, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) questioned why the lawmakers did not adopt similar gestures during the killing of innocent Nigerians by bandits and terrorists across the country.

In a statement issued yesterday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said: “The suspension of legislative duties can only come about when an emergency arises. The decision by the National Assembly to call off their legislative responsibilities because of the demise of President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at a very ripe age, is uncalled for and demonstrates a lack of respect for the sensitivity of their duties to Nigerians.

“Why did the National Assembly not suspend sittings when 400 citizens from Benue and Plateau states were killed by terrorists/herders? Why did the National Assembly not suspend sittings when over 200 citizens perished in the floods around Mokwa in Niger State?

“The National Assembly can do better to honour the memories of Buhari if that’s what they intend to do. They can, for instance, recommend that the life and achievements or lack of it, of the late President Muhammadu Buhari be studied as part of social studies in secondary schools.

“This suspension is very irrelevant and shows the laziness of the legislators who are looking for excuses to stay away from work. So what will the legislators be doing during this week-long ‘Buhari holiday’?

“Will the members be wearing black mourning clothes and going to the prayer grounds to pray for the repose of Muhammadu Buhari, or will they observe a week-long fast? What exactly would they be doing for a week, for which taxpayers’ money would be paid to do, for failing to legislate within the timeframe they set for themselves? Or will they cut off their end-of-year vacation by one week to make up for this one-week holiday?”

Similarly, former Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh, criticised the National Assembly’s decision to suspend all legislative activities for one week in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a misguided show of respect that ignores the country’s urgent needs.

In a statement issued yesterday, Ameh questioned the rationale behind halting national legislative functions at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with deep economic hardship, worsening insecurity, and growing food and healthcare challenges.

“With over 17,000 citizens killed due to security failures and millions struggling daily for food and healthcare, the National Assembly’s choice to shut down for a whole week is not only insensitive but irresponsible,” he stated.

Ameh suggested that a more appropriate tribute to the late President would have been the flying of flags at half-mast and a moment of silence on the floor of both chambers, rather than suspending legislative duties entirely.

“President Buhari, known for his firm stance on discipline and national service, would have wanted the wheels of governance to keep turning,” he said. “Pausing the legislative process does nothing to advance his legacy. It only feeds the public perception that lawmakers are quick to go on recess, even in the face of national urgency.”

He called on the leadership of both chambers to reconsider the decision and instead explore more constructive ways of honouring Buhari—methods that reflect the values of public service and accountability that the late President espoused.

STILL on the National Assembly’s one-week break, two former federal lawmakers from the South-West, Senator Femi Okurounmu (Ogun Central, 1999–2003) and Lanre Odubote (Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos), expressed divergent views.

While Okurounmu described the break as unnecessary and insensitive to the realities Nigerians face, Odubote defended the lawmakers, insisting the criticism stems from a lack of understanding of legislative procedure.

Okurounmu said, “The holiday is unnecessary. It portrays us as an unserious nation. The national flag has already been flown at half-mast, and the Executive has accorded him due honour since Sunday. I don’t believe he deserves more than that.”

Questioning the rationale behind the lawmakers’ decision, he added: “Even in Katsina, Buhari’s hometown, and in Kano, people were seen rejoicing over his demise. Nigeria is grappling with numerous challenges — declaring a week-long break to mourn one man is excessive and unjustifiable.”

However, Odubote argued that the backlash against the National Assembly was misplaced.

“To continue criticising lawmakers over this is to show ignorance of legislative business,” he said. “First, Buhari belonged to the ruling APC, which has majority representation in the National Assembly. It’s not unusual for legislators to honour a prominent figure within their party.”

He added: “If the motion was debated and approved by a majority at plenary, then so be it. Besides, the break affects only legislative sessions — it doesn’t amount to shutting down the entire country.”

Odubote also highlighted Buhari’s military and national service credentials: “He was not just a civilian president, but also a former Head of State, former chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), and a war-tested military general who fought to preserve Nigeria’s unity. Taking a week to honour him is neither excessive nor inappropriate.”

State funeral for ex-president holds in Daura today
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will personally receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina, today.

The remains are expected to arrive in Katsina by noon and will be attended by a brief military ceremony. Thereafter, they will be conveyed to Daura, where the funeral prayer (Jana’iza) will take place, followed by interment at the late president’s residence.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared today a public holiday in honour of the late leader. It also postponed the Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session earlier scheduled for today, following confirmation that his state funeral will take place the same day.

The FEC meeting will now be held on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to proceed to Katsina to participate in the full schedule of the burial rites and remain for the Third-Day Prayers in Daura tomorrow.

Also, the President has directed that condolence registers be opened in all federal ministries, departments, and agencies. Additional registers will be opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, as well as at Nigerian embassies and missions abroad.

The announcement came as part of the seven-day national mourning period declared by President Bola Tinubu following Buhari’s death. All national flags are to be flown at half-mast throughout the period, which began on Sunday.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the holiday is a mark of respect for Buhari’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his legacy in governance and national development.

“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation,” Tunji-Ojo said.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister encouraged Nigerians to use the holiday to reflect on the late President’s life and leadership, and to promote peace and national cohesion in line with his vision for a prosperous Nigeria.

Also, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State confirmed that the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari will be buried within the grounds of his private residence in Daura today.

Speaking yesterday during a visit to the late president’s residence to assess preparations for the burial rites, the governor disclosed that the burial, initially expected earlier, was delayed due to challenges encountered in signing relevant medical and related documents in London.

He revealed that Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was delegated by President Tinubu to accompany the late president’s remains, did not arrive in London until the early hours of yesterday.

“However, all necessary documents have now been signed, and the plane conveying the late president’s remains is on its way,” Radda stated.

He added that the body would be prepared for burial according to Islamic rites at Buhari’s private residence and would lie briefly in state for family members and close associates to pay their last respects.

On the location for the final prayers, the governor explained that the decision was still under consideration due to security concerns. He said two options were being weighed: conducting the prayer within Buhari’s residence or near the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar.

“The final decision will be based on the advice of security personnel on the most appropriate venue,” he noted.

Radda also called on residents and sympathisers to maintain order and decorum during the burial, stressing that the event would attract several prominent personalities, including world leaders and members of the business community.

“Their presence will naturally lead to heightened security, and we urge the public to cooperate fully to avoid any incidents,” he said.

“What we want is for the late president to rest in peace, and for Almighty Allah to grant him Aljanna Firdaus. That is why we want people to be orderly during the burial,” Radda added.

IPOB condemns postponement of Buhari’s burial
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised the postponement of the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a mockery of Nigerians and questioning the transparency surrounding the announcement of his death.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB expressed shock at the delay, querying the rationale behind postponing the state burial of a former Head of State.

“How does a country postpone a state burial? Is the burial of a former ‘head of state’ a wedding ceremony that can be rescheduled at will? Which serious country on earth, where leadership is founded on truth and history is sacred, schedules a state burial and then casually announces its indefinite postponement? What sort of country is this?” the group stated.

IPOB also questioned the timing of the announcement of Buhari’s death, noting that it came two years after he left office and was devoid of clarity and detail.

“It is evident that Nigerians have been stripped of all investigative instinct. Today, exactly two years after the so-called Buhari left office, his ‘death’ is suddenly announced without context, without clarity, without details—and the same masses applaud and accept the narrative without blinking. Is this a nation of thinking beings?”

The group further noted the lack of global response, questioning why no major world leader had issued a strong condolence message and why the international media had been largely silent on the matter.

“Yet, in a nation where rigging elections is normal, stealing from the poor is called governance, and murderers are celebrated as statesmen, it is no surprise that even death itself can be manipulated for political theatre,” it stated.

According to IPOB, the situation reflects a deeper national problem. “This moral and intellectual stupor among Nigerians is the root of all their suffering. A people who cannot investigate, cannot interrogate, cannot rebel against deceit—such people will remain slaves in perpetuity. They will keep suffering under a parasitic elite who loot, lie, and kill with impunity, confident that the masses have been mentally defanged and spiritually castrated,” the group said.