By Kolawole Ojebisi
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has declared why he could not attend Quranic recitation organised in memory of President Bola Tinubu’s mother, Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji.
Buhari stated that the Quaranic recitation which he described as “epic Islamic ritual” coincided with his scheduled medical checkup abroad.
The ex-president disclosed this in a heartbreaking message sent, on Saturday, to Senator Basheer Lado, Convener of the Qur’anic competition, whose Grand Finale is scheduled for Saturday, 31st May 2025.
The letter, titled, “Office of Muhammadu Buhari Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Re Invitation As Special Guest of Honour To Quranic Recitation Competition in Honour of Late Hajiya Abibatu M. Tinubu”, was signed by the former Protocol Officer to Buhari, Lawal Kazaure.
Though dated 25th May 2025, it was made available to journalists on Saturday.
Kazaure, said, “I’m directed to refer to your letter reference SAP/NASS/SEN/178, dated 12th In, Tinubu, dated April 12, 2025 and May 12, 2025 respectively regarding the Aforementioned subject, I regret to inform you that Former President Muhammadu Buhari is unable to attend the event as previously agreed due to his scheduled Medical check-up abroad.
“In this regard, he extends his best wishes for a successful event and conveys his regards to His Excellency President Bola Tinubu and the entire Tinubu Family.”
Buhari, in the letter, prayed that the soul of Hajiya Abibatu will continue to rest in Jannatul Firdausi, asking the organiser, Senator Basheer Lado, to extend his best wishes to Tinubu.