7 Days To Go… Buhari Shifts Gear

As Nigeria transitions into a new democratic government, outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari is burning in an unquenchable desire to return to his country home in Daura, Katsina State.

Penultimate Saturday, Buhari and his family moved into the Glass House at the presidential villa, Abuja, ahead of the inauguration of president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The relocation of the first family from the palatial presidential residence has been described as unprecedented in Africa where leaders find it difficult to relinquish power and vacate office at the expiration of their tenure in office.

Explaining the significance of the change of residence within Aso Rock, special assistant to the president on Digital Communication, Bashir Ahmad, said it was a routine of the transitional process that an out-going president vacates the official residence ahead of the inauguration to give space for the preparation of the building for the in-coming president.

LEADERSHIP gathered at the weekend that President Buhari and his family have already moved their personal belongings out of Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power, and are just waiting in the wings for the inauguration ceremony billed to take place next Monday.

“In the past few days we have seen some movement of vehicles conveying the president’s belonging out of the villa. This is unlike past transition process where the new president would have to use the Defence House as a temporary office till the renovation of his residence and office. 

“Don’t forget that Buhari had to stay a bit longer in Defence House to wait for the renovation of the president’s official residence and office before moving in,” a top presidency source told our correspondent at the weekend.

Back in his country home, the people of Daura and its environs are in high spirits, waiting to receive Buhari back home after completing his eight-year tenure.

Our correspondent observed that preparations are in top gear, with a series of line-up activities to show solidarity to the outgoing president.

The activities to mark Buhari’s home-coming include a special celebration of thanksgiving to Allah, a special traditional Daba festival and dinner and award night in his honour for a successful completion of his tenure as president of Nigeria.

LEADERSHIP further learnt that there are several committees set up by elders and stakeholders, youth groups within the Daura zone to unravel chains of activities in that regard.

Daura is a town with long historical myths and rich cultural norms and values, it has been calm and peaceful as usual at the time of writing this report, with people going about their normal businesses.

 Though a few security personnel were seen in some strategic areas, especially at the residential area Buhari is expected to occupy in the the next couple of days to come. The president’s residence in Daura is painted white and set to be occupied.

However, a top government official revealed to our correspondent that the Katsina State government is yet to make any arrangement to welcome the president, apart from plans by groups, well-meaning individuals and the emirate.

The Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, had recently celebrated the president for performing extremely well in the eight years of his two-term in office, saying Buhari deserves commendation and honour.

He reaffirmed that the emirate will organise an exceptional traditional display known as ‘Hawan Daba’ to honour him when he returns.

The chairman of Daura Concern Forum, Alhaji Muhammad Saleh, told this paper that their group is among many others mobilising people across the Daura emirate to come out enmasse and welcome Buhari home after the inauguration on Monday.

He explained that the president who will be completing his tenure in office next Monday has brought a lot of development and prestige to Daura and Katsina State at large, hence, he needs to be honoured.

Affirming further that they have purchased shirts, caps and placards with different inscriptions about Buhari written on them preparatory to receive him, starting from the entrance of the town to the city centre and finally to his residence.

Alhaji Saleh further said the Daura Emirate is also preparing a special get-together for the president where a lot of dignitaries, prominent sons and elites of the state would assemble to celebrate Buhari and thank Allah for his guidance and protection for the completion of the tenure.

Similarly, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Daura, Prof Aliyu Mamma, said Buhari has lived a fulfilled life as president and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, and he is living office as a happy and proud Daura indigene because he has brought a lot of development to the state and Daura in particular.

He said the polytechnic community are also happy to receive him home and appreciate him for the support received during his administration.