Daura agog as reception holds for Buhari

The ancient town of Daura, Katsina State, practically stood still yesterday, as thousands of people from all walks of life stormed the emir’s palace to welcome home ex-President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The illustrious son, whose tenure ended May 29 after two terms of eight years, was succeeded by Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The event, which was a durbar, held at Kangiwa Square, right in front of the monarch, Alhaji Farouk Umar’s palace within the city.

Buhari, who arrived the venue well-guarded, was welcomed by a mammoth crowd from within and outside the state.

The ceremony was to celebrate the successful completion of his terms in office as Nigeria’s leader. 

The festivity saw hundreds of district, ward and village heads adorning colourful flowing gowns with caps to match in a horse ride to pay homage. 

Cultural dancers, hunters and vigilance groups, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were on ground. 

Several members of the Buhari cabinet were present to witness the occasion.

They include immediate past Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustafa; past Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; his Minister of Finance counterpart, Zainab Ahmed; ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and his Communications and Digital Economy colleague, Isa Pantami.

Others are erstwhile Minister of Defence, Maigari Dingyadi, many Ministers of State, aides, key appointees, traditional rulers, former governors and a delegation from Niger Republic.