Daura, the outgoing president’s hometown, is in a festive atmosphere reminiscent of Sallah festivities as residents prepare to cordially greet the arrival of their son, whose eight-year reign ends on Monday, May 29.
The Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Farouq Umar, is in charge of planning the grand festivity.
Speaking to reporters, the Emir appeared relaxed, assessing and scrutinizing the level of work achieved in preparations for the May 29 deadline to ensure compliance.
According to an emirate council source, “If you don’t know the emir or his vehicle, you wouldn’t know that he is the one going around to see how things are going on. This is to show you how much importance His Royal Highness attaches to this homecoming”.
The Emir, who was the first to break the news of the planned celebration in honour of President Buhari, revealed the plans when Governor Aminu Masari paid him a farewell visit.
The Royal Father said, “I want to inform His Excellency that we are planning a grand durbar to welcome our son and our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, Bayajidda II. You are therefore invited either to participate as a horse rider, as a title holder of Matawallen Hausa, or as a special guest”.
Activities in line to mark the celebration include a grand durbar in honour of the outgoing President, Dambe (a boxing match), Kokawa (wrestling), and Sharo/Shadi (a Fulani festival).
Adding to the planned Dubar celebration in honour of the president, it was learned that a coalition of organisations was devising its own, primarily to receive and escort the president to his residence.
Chairman of the Daura Emirate Development Association (DEDA), Alhaji Aminu Daura, said a vast majority of its members would wait for the President’s convoy at Dannakola village, while some dignitaries would receive the President at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina.
He said, “As you know, when the president arrives in Katsina, he may likely use a helicopter to Daura, while his convoy will be received at Dannakola by members of different groups and associations.
“Others will be at the helipad where the president and his family will land at Daura; they will be received and accompanied to his home on May 29, while the durbar organised by the emirate will take place the following day,” he said.
In line with the list of activities obtained in an invitation letter to the programme, the Durbar profession, which will take place at Kangiwa Square, Daura, would begin by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30.
Durbar participants—district chiefs, village heads, and other horse riders—are expected to gather at the location by 8:00 a.m., while the emir and his courtiers will arrive at the Sarki Abdurrahman gate roundabout by 8:30 a.m.
While all major important personalities are anticipated to arrive at the venue by 9 a.m., the celebrant, Muhammadu Buhari, will be seated by 10 a.m., and the durbar is scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m. and end at 12:15 p.m.
