The Democratic Front (TDF) has said that there is no single political undertone in the manner the President Bola Tinubu administration honoured his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari in death.
This, according to the group, is contrary to the position of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement signed by its Chairman Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, it argued that the Tinubu administration surpassed all expectations in giving a befitting honour to the former president.
It reads in part, “We are indeed overwhelmed with joy to witness how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accorded his late predecessor a befitting state burial.
”With that act, the President has shown the world that the bond of friendship between him and the late President Muhammadu Buhari was far beyond the optics of social and political relationships.
”His genuine show of affection and physical involvement in the funeral rites were done in a way that further consoled the former first family and the nation, with a reassurance that the former President did not die in vain.
”Unknown to most Nigerians, President Tinubu was in constant touch with the late former president while on treatment in a London clinic. Indeed, he was looking forward to welcoming him back to the country, given the fast improvement in the health condition of the former president, when suddenly, the sad news of his death was announced. President Tinubu was reportedly shocked and devastated.
” We were amazed by the President’s immediate response of dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima and his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, to bring back the remains of the former President in preparation for a final befitting state burial in Daura.
”It was also heartwarming that President Tinubu constituted an inter-ministerial funeral Committee comprising over 25 members of his cabinet. He equally directed that the National Flag be flown at half mast, and condolence registers opened at the Presidential Villa, as well as the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and all Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad.
”Not only was the late former President Muhammadu Buhari given a colourful and historic state burial, he was also buried with the status of a sitting Nigerian President by the incumbent President and Commander-in-Chief.
” We are convinced that President Tinubu’s show of solidarity and support for the family of the former President in their hour of utmost need will remain an indelible reference point in our national history.
”On the political shenanigans whipped up in the aftermath of the former President’s funeral, we want to remind President Tinubu of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s congratulatory message on his midterm in which he warned that ” necessary reforms and desired changes must not fall victim to nettlesome domestic politics”.
TDF also reaffirmed its call on the President to ignore the distracting gimmicks of the opposition
Ebd