On the occasion of former President Muhammadu Buhari‘s 81st birthday, The Nation sheds light on his post-retirement activities beyond the Villa. AUGUSTINE OKEZIE, during a visit to Dumurkli-Maidua in Daura local government area, provides insights into the ‘other lives’ of the celebrated leader.

Dumurkli: Ex-President’s village of birth

Few Nigerians are aware that former President Muhammadu Buhari was born in Dumurkuli village, also known as Soho Birni, meaning old village. Situated about 3km from Buhari’s current residence in Daura and approximately 5km from the last village on the Nigeria-Niger Border, Dumurkuli is a tranquil roadside village in Maidua Local Government Area. Notably, this LGA serves as a border region between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Niger Republic.

 The monarch of Maingwa Maitasu Dumurkuli, Alhaji Mohammed Tasiru, shared with The Nation during an interview in his palace that Muhammadu Bapari, the father of Buhari, migrated from Niger Republic and settled in Dumurkuli Village, where the former President was born. The monarch revealed that the village was originally inhabited predominantly by herders who migrated from the neighbouring borders. It was from Dumurkuli that the former President later moved to Daura, where he embarked on his military career and political journey.

 Describing the former President as a people’s advocate, the monarch highlighted the positive impact of Buhari’s influence, noting that the village has witnessed significant development and infrastructure. Buhari’s love for the people, as articulated by the monarch, has contributed to the growth and progress experienced by Dumurkuli village.

He said: “Buhari was born in this village, he is our son, and he is a lover of the people. We have witnessed several developments, hospitals, good primary and secondary schools, mosques, electricity, security, water supply and so many other good things of life. Our major challenge now is unemployment; the youth are loitering because of lack of jobs. I have seven children that are still unemployed after graduation. We keep praying for Muhammadu Buhari so that God will give him longer years.

“Again, I am begging the government and our son to help rebuild my palace; the roofs are leaking. I have to battle with rainfall every night using plate and zinc to shield myself from being drenched by rain.”

Meanwhile, The Nation can confirm that the village is rapidly being transformed into modern town with growing infrastructure and presence of different arms of the security agencies, including the 171 Brigade, Customs and Immigration, and so on.

Buhari in the eyes of Dumurkli villagers

To the people of Dumurkuli Village, Buhari is likened to as a demi-god, a man of the people and a hero. The situation which aptly describes why the former President has repeatedly been voted for in every electoral contest held in the zone. Unlike other zones in the state, Buhari hardly stays away from the village of his birth, particularly during prayer times.

 Manir Abdulkadir, a civil servant and a native of Dumurkli Village, affirmed the sterling qualities and integrity in the conduct of the former President. However, he regrets that the villagers hardly have rare opportunities of seeing him regularly as often as they might have desired.

He said: “The most times Buhari visits is mainly the time he comes here for prayers, during the Friday mosques usually held   in the magnificent mosque that was built in this place, but then as you can see, our village is fast developing, thanks to Buhari.”

A motorcyclist, Mohammed Usman, who took the reporter to the Maiangwa’s palace corroborated Manir’s assertion about Buhari. Meanwhile, The Nation can confirm that the village is rapidly being transformed into a modern town with growing infrastructure and presence of different arms of the security agencies, including the 171 Brigade, Customs, Immigration, and so on.

Life in Daura

Majority of the people of Daura that interacted with The Nation, while admitting that the former President rarely comes out in the evening to mingle with the people because of protocol and security concerns, they however stated that the two major occasions when he usually comes out to mingle with the people namely: when he comes out for Friday mosques and whenever he is headed to his farms. While admitting that Buhari hailed from Dumurkli Village, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) to the Emir of Daura, Usman Ibrahim Yaro, however, stated that the ex-President only exercises street lives in Daura when headed to the Jumait Mosque or to his farm. He said: “Buhari rarely maintain street appearances except when he goes to the mosque, to his farm or when receiving visitors in his house in Daura, mainly due to strict security and protocols built around him. “When walking down to his farm, he usually acknowledges greetings from some passersby on the way. In his farm, he concentrates on livestock, grains and cattle. Buhari is highly prayerful. Again, he changes mosques frequently.”

The Chairman of Daura Coalition Group, Mohammed Saleh told The Nation that Buhari is extremely jovial, and loves receiving visitors, particularly youth groups and associations in his house in Daura. He said: “Buhari jokes a lot, he reminds you of your history, and he even knows your parents by merely looking at your face. We youths are often reminded of several things we have forgotten when we meet Buhari in his house in Daura. He is an embodiment of history. He usually points at us one after the other whenever we are in his house, saying you are from so, so family by looking at us in the face.”

Celebrating ex-President Buhari at 81

 Born on December 17, 1942, Dumurkuli village near Daura in Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is currently receiving several accolades from Nigerians, including current leaders. As the country extends warm wishes and heartfelt greetings, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the significant contributions and leadership of this statesman. Former President Buhari’s life journey is said to have interwoven with Nigeria’s modern history. This milestone birthday offers an occasion to celebrate not only the President’s longevity but also his steadfast commitment to the benefit of Nigeria. Throughout his career, Buhari had navigated the complexities of governance with a focus on anti-corruption efforts, security and economic development.

Life outside Dumurkli and Daura

Since his exit from office, former President Buhari attended several functions within Katsina State, however a few of them will be considered here. Former President Buhari joined Katsina Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda at Othman Bn Fodio, Juma’at Mosque, Modoji to thank Almighty Allah for His blessings upon the state. In Katsina State, the 1st of August every year is set aside as ‘Yaumush-shukr’ (Thanksgiving Day) to thank Almighty Allah for the innumerable blessings that He has bestowed upon the state. Besides, August 1st is a very significant day in the history of Katsina State being that it is the day that the two emirates of Katsina and Daura were brought under one province.

 At the thanksgiving service, Governor Radda stressed the need to always thank Almighty Allah for His numerous blessings, considering the natural resources, agricultural landscape and the quality of people he has bestowed on the state. The Katsina Annual Thanksgiving Service was initiated in 2019 by the immediate past administration of Aminu Bello Masari.

 Former President Buhari in Maiduguri served as the ‘wali’ (groom’s representative) who received the wife of Mohammed Babagana Zulum, eldest son of Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum. The wedding Fatiha took place at the Maiduguri Central Mosque around the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi. The wedding was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors of Kwara, Gombe, Yobe, Ogun, Niger, Ogun, Bauchi, Abia, Lagos and Katsina states, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, former governors of Borno, Maina Ma’aji Lawan and Ali Modu Sheriff, traditional rulers from within and outside Borno State, among other dignitaries. Performing religious rites, former President Buhari asked for the bride’s hand (Ummi Kaltum) on behalf of Zulum’s son and thereafter handed the dowry to a representative of the bride. The Chief Imam of Borno State, Imam Zanna Laisu officiated the wedding.

Katsina celebrates Buhari at 81

Meanwhile, the people of Katsina State, led by Governor Malam Umar Dikko Radda have joined in celebrating the 81st birthday of former President Buhari. A press statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Kalau and made available to newsmen in Katsina said the governor recognised the former President as a leader of truth, justice and patriotism.

 He said: “Governor Radda commends the enduring qualities that make former President Buhari an iconic figure, his unwavering commitment to honesty, fairness, and deep love for the country. The Governor expresses his sincere hope for the former President’s continued good health and happiness on this momentous occasion. As Katsina State joins in celebrating this milestone, the Governor reflects on the positive impact of former President Buhari’s leadership, acknowledging the significance of his contributions to the development and well-being of the country.”

Buhari hosts ex-ministers in Daura

Former President Buhari was surprised on his 81st birthday when several of his former cabinet members paid him an unexpected visit at his residence in Daura, Katsina State. Led by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the visit aimed at extending birthday wishes and prayers for the ex-President. Buhari, who was visibly surprised and grateful, thanked his former cabinet members for taking their time to travel all the way to pay him such a visit on his birthday.

Boss Mustapha, in a brief speech, praised Buhari’s unwavering leadership and described him as an incorruptible and exemplary figure in Nigeria’s history.

“Your Excellency, sir, joining other cabinet members, we have come to pay a special homage on the occasion of your birthday. You are an incorruptible and exemplary leader. May the Almighty Allah bless you for all your efforts and service to our great country. You have certainly earned your place in history. Thank you for your exceptional leadership and dedication. May the Almighty Allah bless you for all your efforts and service to our great country,” he said.

 The cabinet members included: Abubakar Malami, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, Suleiman H. Adamu, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and others, who showered prayers upon him; wishing him good health and divine protection for him and his household. Mustapha highlighted Buhari’s invaluable contributions to the country and expressed joy at seeing the former President in a relaxed and healthy state. He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari’s contribution to the development of our great country, especially in infrastructure development and securing our maritime waters against piracy, will not be forgotten in a hurry. He was an incorruptible leader and father of the country indeed.” He prayed that the Almighty Allah would sustain Baba Buhari in good health, grace and fruitful life.

Culled from TheNation