By Emeka Blast 
Gov. Dikko Radda Moved to Tears During Buhari’s Funeral
In a viral video circulating on X, Radda, dressed in traditional attire, stood near the casket as Buhari’s body was lowered into the grave, struggling to hold back tears. The governor, who described Buhari as a “father figure” and “embodiment of the common man’s aspirations,” was deeply moved by the loss of a fellow Katsina native with whom he shared strong personal and regional ties. “From his early days as a military leader to his transformative presidency, President Buhari never forgot his roots,” Radda said in a tribute. “His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our collective consciousness.”
Buhari’s remains arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at 1:51 p.m. on Tuesday, escorted by Vice President Shettima and other officials. A military guard of honor performed a farewell parade before the body was transported to Daura for the 2:00 p.m. funeral prayer (Janazah), led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, Imam of Daura’s Central Mosque. The interment, marked by a 21-gun salute, took place at 5:50 p.m. in accordance with Buhari’s wish to be buried at his home rather than a public cemetery.
The ceremony saw an outpouring of grief, with Buhari’s daughter, Fatima, also in tears earlier at the family residence. Dignitaries, including Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Niger Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and business tycoon Aliko Dangote, joined the mourners. Radda, who played a key role in coordinating the burial arrangements, was praised on X for his dedication, with one user noting, “Governor Dikko Radda truly tried… He stood with Baba till the end.”
The Federal Government declared Tuesday a public holiday, with flags flown at half-mast nationwide for seven days. Radda extended the holiday to schoolchildren and civil servants in Katsina, reflecting the profound impact of Buhari’s death on the state.
