The Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, arrived in Katsina State to attend the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a London hospital.
The Nigerien delegation, led by the Prime Minister, touched down at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, on Tuesday amid tight security and a solemn atmosphere.
The visit underscored Buhari’s deep and historic ties with Niger Republic, a neighbouring country with which he shared strong diplomatic, ethnic, and personal bonds.
Speaking briefly to reporters at the airport, the Nigerien Prime Minister described Buhari as “a great African statesman, a bridge between West African nations, and a man of integrity who earned the respect of leaders beyond Nigeria’s borders.”
“We came here not only as neighbours but as brothers. President Buhari was a pillar of unity and a friend of Niger. His legacy of peace, discipline, and regional cooperation will never be forgotten,” the Prime Minister said.
He is expected to join other dignitaries, including Nigerian government officials, traditional rulers, former heads of state, and foreign envoys, at the funeral rites scheduled to take place later this Tuesday in Buhari’s hometown of Daura.
The late former President, who served from 2015 to 2023, will be buried this Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites. His body is expected to arrive in Katsina from London before being transported to Daura for interment.
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