Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, and the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, have arrived in London, the United Kingdom, to receive the body of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari. Shettima, Gbajabiamila, and others in the high-ranking government delegation arrived in London on Monday morning.
The delegation left Nigeria based on the instruction of President Tinubu following the announcement of Buhari’s death in London on Sunday at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
The Nigerian delegation to the United Kingdom was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, among others.
As a mark of respect to the former Nigerian leader, President Tinubu on Sunday, ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for seven days and also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council scheduled for Tuesday in his honour.
The Vice President will accompany former President Buhari’s body to Nigeria for burial in Daura, Katsina State.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an array of Nigeria’s past heads of state are expected in Daura, Katsina State, today (Monday) for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on Sunday.
Naija News understands that the interment will be conducted in line with Islamic rites, which mandate swift burial, often within 24 hours.
A senior official in the Presidency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed to Punch late Sunday night that the burial will take place today in Daura. The source stated, “The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow.
“You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time.” While the presidency has yet to officially announce Tinubu’s itinerary, multiple officials say the President is expected to travel to Daura to attend the burial.