Following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London, President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 and previously served as military Head of State in the 1980s, died in a London clinic on Sunday at about 4:30 p.m. after a long illness. The exact cause was not disclosed publicly.
President Tinubu spoke with Mrs Aisha Buhari, the former president’s widow, offering his deepest condolences to the family. He also ordered that national flags be flown at half-staff across the country as a sign of respect.
Vice President Shettima has been instructed to go to London immediately to oversee the repatriation of Buhari’s remains. Officials say the burial and memorial details will be announced soon.
The passing of Buhari marks the end of a significant political era. Nigerians and world leaders are expected to pay their respects as plans for a state funeral begin.