By Danladi Bello (Katsina State Correspondent)
Hours after handing over power to the new President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Abuja on Monday, May 29, Nigeria's former President, Muhammadu Buhari, was given a rousing welcome as he arrived Katsina State on his way to Daura, his home town.
Buhari who reportedly departed the Eagle Square Abuja at about mid day on Monday shortly after the inaguration ceremony, landed at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport in Katsina at exactly 1:20pm, aboard a white colour Presidential Jet, Air Force 001, which traditionally brought him home for the last time as President.
Buhari who returned home with his wife, Aisha Buhari and some of his family members including some of his personal presidential officials like his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari who accompanied him, was received at by the newly sworn-in governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Dikko Radda, his new deputy, Faruk Jobe, the Katsina State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Muhammad Sani, as well as the Senator representing Katsina North, Senator Nasiru Daura and some government officials, party stalwarts, excited relatives and a mammoth crowd of supporters well wishers.
Among officials who were equally on ground at the airport to receive the former President to his home town, is his son-in-law and also his former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN). Others were his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina; his former Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika; his former Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige; his Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami and a few close presidential directors and secretary.
Buhari's arrival was electric as the elated crowd surged towards him to shake hands with him and to express their joy on his final homecoming after eight years at the seat of power in Abuja as President of Nigeria. Security agencies, however, had a challenging time in controlling the jubilating crowd of people. School Children line the roads to also welcome Buhari.
At exactly 2pm, the former president boarded a waiting white presidential helicopter to his home town Daura, a Katsina State border town close to Niger Republic. He was well received by the Emir of Daura and his kits and kin who were equally excited having him back home.
Meanwhile, Katsina State residents are giving thanks and praises to God Almighty for the successful completion of the tenure of the former President and his safe return home.
Senator Daura, in his reaction, said Buhari left the country in the best situation and has done the best for the country, maintaining that it’s time for him to enjoy his peaceful and happy retirement.
The outgoing Katsina State Education Commissioner, Badamasi Charanchi, described Buhari as the best president in Nigeria in terms of infrastructural development and security, expecting a continuation of the good work.
Also, the AIG Zone 14 Headquarters, Katsina, Abdurrahman Ahmed, explained that Buhari has done his best in security, hoping for improvement under the incoming administration. NNL.
