Jonathan Shuns Yar'Adua's Burial


Tony Ailemen, Muyideen Salawu and Mohammed Kabir 7 May 2010

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Abuja/Katsina — Thousands of mourners gathered in Katsina, Kastina State yesterday for the burial of former President Umaru Yar'Adua, who died late on Wednesday at the age of 58, after a protracted illness.



But among the crowd of sympathizers who thronged the Katsina Township stadium, venue of the funeral, President Goodluck Jonathan who took oath of office earlier in the day was missing. Speaker of the House of Representative, Mr. Dimejio Bankole, led the Federal Government's delegation to the burial, which had in attendance, former Heads of State like Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida.

No official reason was given for his absence. But a Presidency source who would not want to be quoted told Daily Champion that there was nothing special in the President's absence, since it was entirely an Islamic affair.

He said: "Yes, President Jonathan did not attend the burial but there is nothing to that. Remember this is purely an Islamic affair. He would visit the family soon."

However, Daily Champion gathered that Jonathan stayed away from the funeral after security reports warned him on the danger of attending.

At the funeral, crowds of men dressed in multi-coloured traditional robes flocked to the stadium in Yar'Adua's arid hometown near the border with Niger.

Thousands more sat quietly under the shade of trees outside the venue under the watch of armed police and soldiers. Businesses and shops were shuttered and side roads were clogged with bumper-to-bumper traffic.


Vanguard
President Goodluck Jonathan, led by Chief Justice Katsina Alu, takes the oath of office.
Mourners packed the runway of the city's airport and watched the arrival of a plane carrying Yar'Adua's body from the capital Abuja, while crowds lined the streets for a glimpse of the motorcade.

The body of the late President was conveyed to Katsina International Airport in an airforce military plane in black colour and escorted to the state by top military officers.

The prayer for the late President was led by Sheikh Liman Abba along with top government officials from various states in the federation.

The body was received by the state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema the chief mourner of the occasion and the two prominent traditional rulers in the state, the Emir of Katsina Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and Emir of Daura Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar.

The body was later conveyed to the family house on Nagogo road where necessary Islamic rites were performed before it was taken to the Katsina Tonwsip stadium where necessary prayers were offered.



Wife of the late President, Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua was brought by an airforce jet together with his family members and immediately left in a motorcade to the family house on Nagogo road.

The Katsina Airport was full to the brim as important personalities including governors and ministers waited for hours before the body of the late President came into the airport by 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, Jonathan yesterday took oath of office as President and Commander in-Chief of Armed Forces, with a promise to ensure that votes count in 2011 general election.

In his first broadcast to the nation after taking the oath of office, President Jonathan reiterated his commitment to leaving a democratic legacy that Nigerians will be proud of.

"As I had stated time and again, we must enshrine the best standards in our democratic practice. One of the true tests would be to ensure that all votes count and are counted in the upcoming general elections."

The ceremony was witnessed by the chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.



Others include state governors including Otunba Gbenga Daniel of Ogun, Bukola Saraki of Kwara, Theodore Orji of Imo, Alao Akala of Oyo, and Gabriel Suswam of Benue. Also present were members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), service chiefs and other top government functionaries and politicians.

The President also promised a total commitment to good governance, electoral reform and an intensified fight against corruption which would be pursued with greater vigour.

"Similarly the effort at ensuring the sustenance of peace and development in the Niger Delta as well as the security of life and property around the entire country would be of top most priority in the remaining period of this administration."

At a brief ceremony after the oath of office was administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Katsina Alu at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, President Jonathan praised late President Umaru Yar'Adua, describing him as "a man of great personal integrity, deep devotion to God and outstanding humility.



He said Late President Yar'Adua displayed an uncommon commitment to the peace, progress and unity of our country adding that his exit "has therefore created a huge vacuum in his personal contributions to the political growth and development of our nation. I have lost not just a boss but a good friend and brother."

He expressed his condolences to Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua, the children and the extended family, just as he noted that he was assuming office as President under "sad and unusual circumstances." He said it was a major burden on him but hastened to add that the citizens must remain steadfast and committed to the values and aspirations of the nation.

"In this regard our total commitment to good governance, electoral reform and the fight against corruption would be pursued with greater vigour. As I had stated time and again, we must enshrine the best standards in our democratic practice. One of the true tests would be to ensure that all votes count and are counted in the upcoming General Elections.

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"Similarly the effort at ensuring the sustenance of peace and development in the Niger Delta as well as the security of life and property around the entire country would be of top most priority in the remaining period of this administration," he assured. Before the depature of the body of Yar'Adua to Katsina, Chief Imam of Abuja Central Mosque, Ustaz Mus Mohammed was called upon to offer special prayers for the late President.

Daily Champion observed that Yar'Adua's family began to move out of the Aso Rock as, as early as 2 a.m yesterday.

At a brief ceremony at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, the body of late President Yar'Adua was received by the service chiefs.

Top government officials including state governors who also accompanied the body of the late President to Katsina witnessed the airport ceremony which was brief but impressive before the body was finally flown to Katsina for burial.

The body was draped with green-white-green Nigerian flag and put into C130 Aircraftwith Registration Number NAF 913, just as the ceremonial 21 gun salute was observed before the take off of the aircraft.


http://allafrica.com/stories/201005070012.html

I'm pretty sure the populace has forgotten incidents like this. Little issues like this should have informed us on how evil this guy really is. Even at the point of threats of death: YOU STILL HONOR YOUR FRIEND ON HIS LAST JOURNEY FROM EARTH!!! Two things come to mind : (1) GEJ never viewed Pres. Yar'Adua as his friend (and, going by his recent actions, was probably wishing he died sooner so he could become President); (2): GEJ is deceitful and owes noone any loyalty----even if that person is his Commander In Chief!

When Pres.Yar'Adua's wife had GEJ doing her laundry and blood-stained underwear, we call came to GEJ's defense. The moment he became President, his real character came to fore. First he paid homage to the North, then he went to war with the North. When he needed support he remembered he was part of the Ijaw Nation and quickly absolved MEND of bombings which they claimed responsibility for.

Then he played the Ibos by suddenly "remembering" he was Ibo----Azikiwe Ebele became his new name. He promised Ibos the Presidency in 2015, smiled and left Ibo leaders salivating. . . .

Then he went back up-North to seek the support of the Hausa-Fulani, reminded them he was part of the North (Probably promised to become Muslim and take a few 13year old brides from Egypt as wives also--- we all know how desperate he is), that he had a Northern V.P--- then he promised them the Presidency in 2015. THE SAME PRESIDENCY OF 2015 THAT HE PROMISED THE IBOS 3 DAYS PRIOR!!! Then he smiled and left some of the Northerners salivating. Unlike their Eastern Bros. the Northerners seem to know a dummy when theyre being sold one.

The he moved West, and, upset that he couldnt penetrate their intelligent and educated minds with his illiterate and unbulleraa-like ideas, proceed to insult the Yorubas as a bunch of rascals! Glad to see he nailed his own coffin.

I have read extensively about Nigeria and I can tell you: THIS IS THE WORST ADMINISTRATION IN HER HISTORY.

1. Reports of Hunger across the land are rife----- EVEN THOUGH SENATORS UNDER PRES.JONATHAN EARN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EVERY 3 MONTHS!!!

2. GEJ'S MONTHLY BUDGET FOR FOOD IS OVER $20,000----- THE AVERAGE NIGERIAN MANAGES TO SURVIVE ON $60 a month ($2/day).

3. Under GEJ, bombings, which were unheard of in Nigeria, have become as common as getting in a fist fight. Clearly, in a bid to malign his opponents, AND ELICIT SYMPATHY FROM THE POPULACE, GEJ introduce bombings into Nigeria's Politics. Remember he blamed Gen.IBB as the mastermind of the Oct.1st Bombing-----TWO WEEKS LATER HE WAS IN FRONT OF CAMERAS EXTOLLING THE EVIL GENERAL AS "A GREAT MAN WHO IS LIKE A FATHER TO ME". . . . the height of desperation.

4. Under GEJ, Nigeria's treasury has been depleted to fund a Presidential bid based of greed.


I could go on for days. This man's sins are many and unforgivable and I still cant understand how anyone, in good conscience, could actually fight to put this pretentious monster at the helm of affairs that controls their destiny!!!!

I dont think this is fair, I think at the time of the burial he was being sworn in and was fully represented at the Burial. That being said, we should not forget what he went through in the hands of the cabal and those around yarAdua, his presence could have brought an uprising at the Burial. I do not know why he stayed away but considering the circumstances then it was a wise thing to do

aisha2:

I dont think this is fair, I think at the time of the burial he was being sworn in and was fully represented at the Burial. That being said, we should not forget what he went through in the hands of the cabal and those around yarAdua, his presence could have brought an uprising at the Burial. I do not know why he stayed away but considering the circumstances then it was a wise thing to do

I actually think "it is fair" to look at things from different angles.

Before, I felt bad for GEJ even tho I'd never heard of him and I got into all kinds of fights in forums on his behalf. . . . but now thinking about it, he clearly had a plan all along and was just waiting patiently to execute it. He didnt care enough to pay his last respects to a man whom he served under!

aisha2:

I dont think this is fair, I think at the time of the burial he was being sworn in and was fully represented at the Burial. That being said, we should not forget what he went through in the hands of the cabal and those around yarAdua, his presence could have brought an uprising at the Burial. I do not know why he stayed away but considering the circumstances then it was a wise thing to do

Oga diri gi mma (It shall be well with you).

In my opinion, I think it was right of him to avoid that burial at that point in time.

What I however disapprove of, was him lying to Nigerians that he spoke with Yar'Adua whereas he did not at any occasion when that man was on his sick bed.

Pataki:

In my opinion, I think it was right of him to avoid that burial at that point in time.

What I however disapprove of, was him lying to Nigerians that he spoke with Yar'Adua whereas he did not at any occasion when that man was on his sick bed.

Oh, snap, I forgot to add the point that as the professional liar that he his, instead of telling Nigerians the truth, this man lied that he played basketball and squash with Pres.Yar'Adua----even tho the President was in a coma!

Why is anybody supporting GEJ on this? Even aisha2 is joining them as if she has not seen the posts by GEJ supporters against the person of Buhari. This is election time, we should use anything at our disposal to swing votes. This one will work well in the north - so, lets see if we can remind our brothers in the north - katsina, Kano, kaduna, etc about this.

Wadeoye:

Why is anybody supporting GEJ on this? Even aisha2 is joining them as if she has not seen the posts by GEJ supporters against the person of Buhari. This is election time, we should use anything at our disposal to swing votes. This one will work well in the north - so, lets see if we can remind our brothers in the north - katsina, Kano, kaduna, etc about this.

Have you heard the story of the monk and scorpion, i will tell you one day but the summary of it is that the monk said "its the nature of the scorpion to sting, it is in my nature to save, why should i change my nature" meaning, i like being honest and fair. I will not attack unnecessarily, the truth is that the nature of the drama surrounding the late Presidents death made it impossible for President Goodluck to be at the burial

aisha2:

Have you heard the story of the monk and scorpion, i will tell you one day but the summary of it is that the monk said "its the nature of the scorpion to sting, it is in my nature to save, why should i change my nature" meaning, i like being honest and fair. I will not attack unnecessarily, the truth is that the nature of the drama surrounding the late Presidents death made it impossible for President Goodluck to be at the burial

Thanks Aisha2 for showing that you are a good-hearted Nigerian. Even though I know that, from your posts, you support Buhari, you have refused to allow that affect your sense of judgement on this issue.

Wadeoye:

Why is anybody supporting GEJ on this? Even aisha2 is joining them as if she has not seen the posts by GEJ supporters against the person of Buhari. This is election time, we should use anything at our disposal to swing votes. This one will work well in the north - so, lets see if we can remind our brothers in the north - katsina, Kano, kaduna, etc about this.

Wadeoye, there is no difference between your attitude and that of our desperate politicians who are bringing in arms and ammunition in order to "swing votes". You want to whip up ethnic sentiments based on a wrong conclusion from an innocent story to swing votes. Nigeria cannot be great with this kind of mindset.

bk.babe97y:

I'm pretty sure the populace has forgotten incidents like this. Little issues like this should have informed us on how evil this guy really is. Even at the point of threats of death: YOU STILL HONOR YOUR FRIEND ON HIS LAST JOURNEY FROM EARTH!!! Two things come to mind : (1) GEJ never viewed Pres. Yar'Adua as his friend (and, going by his recent actions, was probably wishing he died sooner so he could become President); (2): GEJ is deceitful and owes noone any loyalty----even if that person is his Commander In Chief!

This is really really low. This is the kind of attitude we do not want in our new Nigeria. Please change your ways.

BP:


This is really really low. This is the kind of attitude we do not want in our new Nigeria. Please change your ways.

But its true that he did not attend his friend and Commander In Chief's burial!

President Jonathan didn't attend because Mr. Yar'adua used not to attend burial of non muslims based on his religious believe.

In Islam, Muslims are only allowed to attend burial of Muslims.

Hence when Mr. Yar'adua died, President Jonathan respected Yar'adua view and decided not to attend his burial. Because President Jonanthan is a christian. But visited the family later.

We suppose to commend President Jonathan for this.

Vote Jonathan/Sambo team.

juman:

President Jonathan didn't attend because Mr. Yar'adua used not to attend burial of Christians based on his religious believe.

In Islam, Muslims are only allowed to attend burial of Muslims.

Hence when Mr. Yar'adua died, President Jonathan respected Yar'adua view and decided not to attend his burial. Because President Jonanthan is a christian. But visited the family later.

We suppose to commend President Jonathan for this.

Vote Jonathan/Sambo team.

Pres.Yar'Adua never attended Christian burials? Can u prove this please?

Or was he just happy that Pres.Yar'Adua was dead and he was now gonna become President?

bk.babe97y:

Oh, snap, I forgot to add the point that as the professional liar that he his, instead of telling Nigerians the truth, this man lied that he played basketball and squash with Pres.Yar'Adua----even tho the President was in a coma!

Can you post a link to support your claim of GEJ making that statement?

Didn't you read in your first post that his security details advised him against showing up there? Do you know Patience Jonathan was there in attendance?

Campaign of calumny against President Goodluck Jonathan!!!!!!!!!!

bk.babe97y: Just make sure you hang yourself when Jonathan is announced President-elect on Monday!!!!!!!

@bk.babe97y Shine you eyes well well.

But among the crowd of sympathizers who thronged the Katsina Township stadium, venue of the funeral, President Goodluck Jonathan who took oath of office earlier in the day was missing. Speaker of the House of Representative, Mr. Dimejio Bankole, led the Federal Government's delegation to the burial, which had in attendance, former Heads of State like Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida.

No official reason was given for his absence. But a Presidency source who would not want to be quoted told Daily Champion that there was nothing special in the President's absence, since it was entirely an Islamic affair.
He said: "Yes, President Jonathan did not attend the burial but there is nothing to that. Remember this is purely an Islamic affair. He would visit the family soon."
However, Daily Champion gathered that Jonathan stayed away from the funeral after security reports warned him on the danger of attending.