*As VP Shettima, Govs, Dangote, others grace event
By OUR REPORTER, Maiduguri
In a major public outing that is second in his 54 days after retiring from office, former President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday July 22, 2023, travelled to Maiduguri, Borno State capital for the wedding fatiha of Mohammed Babagana Zulum, eldest son of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Buhari made his first public function since handing over to President Bola Tinubu when he attended and presided over the Katsina State Development Fund (Gidauniyar Jihar Katsina) 2023 Retreat at the Government House, Katsina, on Wednesday July 19.
During the event, the former President was received at the venue by the State governor, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, in company of top government functionaries.
On Saturday, the former leader performed his second puuc function when he made appearance at the Zulum’s son wedding fatiha, which took place at the Maiduguri Central Mosque located close to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, saw former President Buhari performing the role of the groom’s representative (Waliy).
The wedding was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors of Kwara, Gombe, Yobe, Ogun, Niger, Bauchi, Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi and Katsina States, National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, former Governors of Borno, Maina Ma’aji Lawan and Ali Modu Sheriff, former Governors of Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara States, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Atiku Bagudu, Nasir El-Rufai and Bello Matawalle respectively, former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, immediate-past IGP, Usman Baba Alkali, and GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari Kolo; among other top members of the political class.
Businessman and africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, billionaire businessman, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, and traditional rulers from within and outside Borno State, amongst others dignitaries, were also present.
Performing wedding 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 former President congratulated Zulum’s family on the occasion and advised the new couple to commit themselves to a life-long union.
Buhari charged the couple to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, patience and love for each other for their marriage to last.
The wedding fatiha was officiated by the Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Zanna Laisu.
The Shehu’s palace was filled up as political leaders, particularly from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), academics, other prominent persons from across the state and beyond graced the occasion in honour of Governor Zulum.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari made his first public function since handing over to President Bola Tinubu when he attended to pr3side over the Katsina State Development Fund (Gidauniyar Jihar Katsina) 2023 Retreat at the Government House, Katsina, on Wednesday July 19.
During the event, the former President was received at the venue by the State governor, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, in company of top government functionaries.
