Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has disclosed that the Senate delegation was forced to abort its flight to Katsina for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari due to severe air traffic congestion at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport.
Former President Buhari passed away on Sunday in a London clinic after a prolonged illness. He was buried on Tuesday at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, by Islamic rites.
In a statement shared on Thursday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Nwoko revealed that the Senate delegation’s multiple attempts to land in Katsina were unsuccessful.
“On Tuesday, efforts to attend the burial rites of our late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, were thwarted due to severe air traffic and the unavailability of parking space at the Katsina airport,” he wrote.
“After several failed landing attempts, we had no choice but to return to Abuja.”
Despite the setback, Nwoko said he later joined Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers on a condolence visit to Daura.
“Yesterday, I was in Daura in the company of the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other distinguished colleagues to pay a condolence visit to the family of our departed leader,” he stated.
“We offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and sought Almighty Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on his behalf. May he be granted Aljannah Firdaus.”
The Senate delegation also met with Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, the Emir of Daura, to extend condolences on behalf of the National Assembly and the nation.
“We proceeded to the palace of the Emir of Daura, where we extended our condolences to the Daura Emirate and its people, who have lost a symbol of pride and honour — a man whose life was devoted to service, simplicity, and discipline,” Nwoko added.
Their final stop was a visit to Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, where they expressed sympathy and solidarity with the state government and its people.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was a statesman of rare integrity. His contributions to Nigeria’s political and moral landscape will remain indelible,” he said.
