KATSINA, DAURA – Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has explained his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, attributing it to a failed landing attempt at the Katsina airport.
Akpabio disclosed on his verified social media handle that the aircraft conveying him and others could not land due to air traffic congestion and lack of parking space, forcing them to return to Abuja.
“After several attempts by the pilot to land our aircraft in Katsina State, we had to return to Abuja,” Akpabio said. “As such, we couldn’t attend the burial ceremony of our late former President.”
He emphasized that his absence was not intentional, citing respect for protocol and safety, given his position as Nigeria’s number three citizen.
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Despite missing the burial, Akpabio, on Wednesday, led a delegation of senators to Daura, Katsina State, to personally condole with the Buhari family, the Emirate, and the state government.
“We offered prayers for the repose of the soul of our late President,” Akpabio noted after meeting with the family of the deceased leader.
In Daura, Akpabio and his team also visited the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, to console the traditional institution and the local community.
They proceeded to pay a condolence visit to Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, commiserating with the government and people of the state over Buhari’s death.
Akpabio described the late Buhari as a national icon whose leadership and legacy will remain part of Nigeria’s democratic history.