Following the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to convey Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
The President officially announced Buhari’s passing on Sunday. The former leader died in London at about 4:30 pm after a prolonged illness.
In a statement released by the Presidency, Tinubu confirmed he had personally spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the late president’s widow, to offer his condolences.
“President Tinubu has directed Vice President Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom immediately to accompany the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari back home,” the statement read.
Buhari, who served as military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985, later returned to power as a civilian, winning elections in 2015 and again in 2019, not 2023 as earlier misreported.
In honour of the late leader, President Tinubu has ordered flags to fly at half-staff across Nigeria.
Funeral arrangements and an official programme of mourning are expected to be announced in the coming hours as the nation prepares to pay its final respects.
