President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Kano State today to pay his respects following the death of Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
The elder statesman and business magnate passed away recently, and this trip marks a significant but overdue gesture from the presidency.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the president’s visit, noting that although Tinubu was abroad when Dantata died.
He had sent government ministers, led by the Defence Minister, to attend the deceased’s burial in Saudi Arabia.
This was intended to honor the late nonagenarian.
A Late Condolence Visit: Political Optics or Genuine Respect?
Critics argue that President Tinubu’s visit comes too late given Dantata died on June 28, 2025, more than two weeks ago.
Many wonder why the sitting president did not return immediately to Nigeria to express condolences personally.
Instead, delegates attended the burial abroad while the official visit to Kano only happens now, causing questions about the administration’s sincerity.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has urged residents to receive the president warmly and conduct themselves in an orderly manner during the visit.
Security and logistics measures have been prepared to ensure the event proceeds smoothly and with dignity.
However, political observers interpret this official choreography with government aides and elaborate security as an overblown display that veils deeper issues.
The timing fuels debates about Tinubu’s priorities and the symbolic meaning of condolence visits reduced to mere photo opportunities.
Aminu Dantata: A Life of Influence and Legacy
Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s death marks the loss of a figure whose business empire and philanthropy touched many facets of Nigerian society.
Passing at age 94 in Dubai, his burial in Medina, Saudi Arabia, had already drawn significant attention.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima conducted an earlier condolence visit to the family on July 3.
Indicating that the presidency had some level of engagement even before the president’s own visit.
Yet, despite Dantata’s towering stature, the late recognition by President Tinubu contrasts sharply with the rushed political acts that usually greet less historic events.
This undermines the genuine mourning that such a loss deserves.
The Buhari Tribute: Another Political Gesture
In a related development, President Tinubu announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University.
This decision came during a special Federal Executive Council session held on July 17 in Abuja to honor the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on July 13, 2025, after a brief illness.
Tinubu praised Buhari’s discipline, moral fortitude, and patriotism but also acknowledged the imperfections inherent in any leader.
The act of renaming the university has sparked debates.
With critics labeling it a political stunt aimed at consolidating power and loyalty rather than a sincere homage.
Questioning Leadership Priorities and Authenticity
President Tinubu’s actions highlight a pattern of reactive and symbolic moves rather than proactive leadership.
The delayed condolence visit to Kano and the university renaming fuel perceptions that the president’s administration favors optics over substance.
Nigeria’s public expects more than state-managed ceremonies; it demands genuine empathy and timely engagement from its leaders.
Especially around critical national moments like the deaths of venerable figures such as Dantata and Buhari.
What the People Want to See
Kano residents and Nigerians broadly seek leadership that shows authentic respect and swift response.
Governor Yusuf’s call for orderly reception aligns with traditional hospitality values.
Yet many see this state-managed display as neglecting deeper issues of national unity and respect for legacy.
Presidential visits timed after media pressure risk coming off as reactionary rather than heartfelt.
This mishandling of protocol and timing invites harsh criticism of leadership credibility.
A Legacy Tarnished by Political Calculations
The passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata deserved immediate and heartfelt recognition from the nation’s highest office.
Are these acts driven by true mourning or political calculation?
The renaming of an educational institution after Buhari, following a similarly managed condolence session, reinforces the impression that symbolic gestures replace substantive governance.
Nigerians deserve leadership that combines respect for legacy with timely.
Sincere actions not calculated moves that put optics over authenticity.
If the presidency is to command genuine respect, it must rethink its approach to national unity and condolence.
