President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to immediately travel to London to accompany the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria.
This follows the official announcement of Buhari’s death on Sunday. The former President passed away in London at about 4:30 pm after a prolonged illness.
“President Muhammadu Buhari passed away today in London at about 4.30 pm,” Tinubu said in a statement issued late Sunday.
The President revealed that he had spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the widow of the late leader, and expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
“I have spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari and conveyed my heartfelt condolences. The nation mourns with her and the entire family,” Tinubu stated.
He further instructed Vice President Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to oversee arrangements and accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
“Vice President Kashim Shettima has been directed to travel to London to accompany the remains of the former President back home,” the statement noted.
The late Muhammadu Buhari was twice elected as Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2019, after previously serving as the country’s military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.
As a mark of respect for the departed leader, Tinubu also ordered all national flags to be flown at half-staff across the country.
“Flags are to fly at half-staff in honour of our departed former President,” Tinubu added.
