Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has explained his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He recently revealed that flight restriction was the reason for his inability to attend the ceremony in Daura on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists briefly after a condolence visit to the late president’s family, Obi said that efforts to attend the burial were ruined by a combination of unavailable flights and restricted air traffic to accommodate high-level dignitaries.
According to him, it was impossible to land at Katsina Airport via a flight yesterday, and everywhere was shut down because of the several prominent Nigerians attending the burial.
“Yes, it was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights.
Even if you had a flight, you couldn’t land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because of the number of dignitaries attending the burial,” he said.
Obi further noted that paying respect to the dead transcends the day of burial, stressing that his visit still falls within the regular mourning period.
Obi recalled his past interactions with Buhari, especially a meeting during his presidential campaign, and how PMB urged him to focus on the welfare of Nigeria’s poor.
The Labour Party politician concluded by saying that Buhari did his best for the country within his capacity.
“It is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning.
I had the opportunity of meeting him while I was campaigning, and I remember his words to this day: ‘Please care for the poor Nigerians’. That’s what I always remember.
And I believe he did his best within his capacity. I remember vividly his sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor.
We all have to learn how to serve our country, knowing that one day we will be called back by our creator,” he added.
