A few minutes before 10am, former President Muhammadu Buhari and his family members left the Glass House at the State House, Abuja, to attend the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The trip from the Glass House which had served as a transitional abode for the outgoing president and their spouse during the transition period took him a few minutes.
At 10:06am, Buhari arrived. Before his arrival, very important personalities (VIPs), including the official Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC)/ Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan; and former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, among others had lined up to welcome him. He eventually disembarked from his vehicle at 10:11am to greet the VIPs waiting for him.
Thereafter, he took his last salute as outgoing president and his outgoing Aide-de-Camp (ADC) handed over old military colours to him.
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When it was time for the swearing-in of Tinubu as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, Buhari and his wife stood behind the former governor of Lagos State on the podium as he took the oath of office at exactly 10:37am.
Subsequently, Buhari now the immediate past president handed over the new colours and instrument of office to the new president.
At 11:03am, he left Eagle Square in an SUV vehicle with members of his family which included his wife, Aisha, and son, Yusuf.
At least, six Prado Land cruiser vehicles followed his car.
Before leaving for Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport en route to Katsina (using a different car that brought him to the venue), he waved his hands to greet the crowd at the VIP stand and took off to Katsina.
The Presidential Jet, Air Force 001 which conveyed the former president for the last time touched down at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina State at about 1:15pm.
The new governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, who was sworn in at about 10:45am was at the airport to welcome former President Buhari back home.
It was a carnival of sorts and a heroic welcome in Daura – the hometown of the former president – as people poured in their numbers onto the streets to welcome their son.
Buhari, overwhelmed by the crowd that thronged the city, gave a thankful wave to show his gratitude.
The former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as well as former ministers of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; State for Works and Housing, Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub; Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammad Abubakar; Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; and former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina; joined other dignitaries, family members, and well-wishers to welcome former President Buhari and his family.
Earlier, residents of Daura organised a special prayer session for the successful completion of his eight years as president.
The prayer session took place at Dan Madamin Daura’s house.
The event at the house of his uncle was attended by dignitaries in the town including Imams of Juma’at mosques, clerics and other residents.
Speaking to Daily Trust, some of the residents said they were happy to receive Buhari back home, stressing that he had done the best for the country.
An uncle to the president, Alhaji Lawal Buhari said they were fulfilled that their son had done the best for the country.
“He has done his best for the country and we are glad that he is back home after serving the country to the satisfaction of Nigerians. We are proud of him, we are very proud. May Allah reward him,” he said.
On whether the president would stay in Daura for the rest of his life, he said: “You don’t know who Buhari is, that is why you are doubting it, he will stay here, he said it and he meant it. Wherever in this world, Buhari said he will stay, I believe he will, even if it is inside the bush.
“He has provided a lot of resources in this town and we never witnessed any development like it before now. We have never had this kind of achievement before,” he added.
Another resident, Abdullahi Usama said they were proud of the fact that their son had led Nigeria for eight good years.
He said Buhari is presently the most celebrated person in the town.
“We are proud that he is back. He has set a record in Daura which no one has ever done. We love Buhari, that is why we are happy that he is back.”
By Muideen Olaniyi, Abuja & Zahraddeen Y. Shuaibu, Daura
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