Government sets date for a special FEC meeting to recognize President Buhari
In a heartfelt condolence visit to Daura, Katsina State, former presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed his sympathies to the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday following a prolonged illness in a London hospital. However, Obi's presence at the burial was hindered by logistical challenges, primarily due to flight restrictions and the closure of Katsina Airport to accommodate the numerous high-profile dignitaries[1][2].
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Obi managed to make it to Daura on Wednesday to commiserate with the bereaved family. He emphasised that mourning extends beyond the burial day, welcoming those who continue to pay their respects after the ceremony. Reflecting on his interactions with Buhari, Obi acknowledged the late president's efforts to care for Nigeria's less privileged[1][2].
Meanwhile, the special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of Buhari has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 17, at 1pm. President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead members of his cabinet in paying tribute to the late Nigerian leader at the session[4]. Critics, such as former presidential aide Reno Omokri, have raised concerns over Obi's absence at the burial, viewing it as a lack of respect during the important event attended by top officials[3].
In other news, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has accepted Nigeria as a full member. The government has also approved a policy to prioritise local goods and services[5]. Furthermore, President Tinubu has held an FEC meeting during which he swore in INEC commissioners and members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) board[6].
Mourning for Buhari will continue until tomorrow, and anyone arriving today or tomorrow is still considered part of the mourning process[7]. The state funeral took place in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, the day originally planned for the FEC session, which was postponed due to the burial arrangements[8].
[1] Arise TV [2] NAN [3] Reno Omokri, Twitter post [4] Punch Newspaper [5] The Guardian [6] Vanguard [7] The Nation [8] NAN
- During the mourning of late President Muhammadu Buhari, political figure Peter Obi, despite logistical challenges, managed to pay his respects to the bereaved family on Wednesday in Daura, Nigeria.
- Peter Obi, in his condolence visit, highlighted the importance of mourning extending beyond the burial day and welcomed those who continue to express their sympathies.
- Following the passing of President Buhari, former Presidential aide Reno Omokri raised concerns over Obi's absence at the burial, arguing that it demonstrated a lack of respect during the event attended by high-profile dignitaries.
- In other general news, President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in a special session in honor of late President Buhari on Thursday, with top officials present to pay tribute.
- Amidst the ongoing mourning for Buhari, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has accepted Nigeria as a full member, and the government has also approved a policy prioritizing local goods and services, as reported in various news outlets such as The Guardian and Vanguard.
