Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari’s remains were transported from the United Kingdom to Nigeria inside the main cabin of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jet rather than the cargo hold typically used for caskets, owing to some technical glitches.
The glitch, though an unusual, yet, respectful turn of events, forces the Nigerian government to fly the body in the cabin of the aircraft, dislodging the usual procedure, but after obtaining necessary permits from the British authorities.
According to credible sources, the decision was necessitated after it was discovered that the presidential casket, purchased to hold the body from the UK to Nigeria before it’s burial was too large and could not fit into the presidential aircraft’s cargo compartment.
As the British airport authorities insisted on strict safety protocols and ruling out alterations to the aircraft or use of a larger plane, handlers faced a critical choice, bit had to negotiate their way out of the situation.
Instead of packing in the former president’s body in a body bag, an option which was considered disrespectful, though not wrong health wise, l the military and aviation team devised a solemn alternative.
The front seats in the main cabin of the aircraft were collapsed, and foldable tables were pulled out to create a makeshift bed-like platform into which the casket was fastened.
The casket, draped with the Nigerian national flag, was then secured to the structure, allowing the remains of the former military head of state cum civilian president to be flown with dignity.
“The casket was brought down from the aircraft, not in the aircraft’s hold, which is standard for such situations, but from the passengers compartment.
“And because the hold was too small for the casket, and British safety authorities would not allow improvisation. However, the front section of the passengers cabin was converted to accommodate the body,” the source disclosed.
After it arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at about 1:55 pm, the casket was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
A joint team of nine senior military officers carefully selected from across the Army, Navy, and Air Force served as pallbearers. The elite team, coordinated by Maj Gen Mike Alechenu, included:
Maj Gen Mohammed Usman, Maj Gen Oluwafemi Williams, Maj Gen Shuaibu Nuhu, Rear Adm Suleiman Dahun, Rear Adm Jonathan Ajodo, Rear Adm Samuel Ngatuwa, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni, Air Vice Marshal Obinna Obiabaka
The pallbearers, marching in slow synchronized steps to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” wheeling the national flag-draped casket through a full military guard of honour composed of 102 armed forces personnel.
