Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, have arrived in London, United Kingdom, to receive the body of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Naija News understands that Shettima, Gbajabiamila, and other top government officials landed in London on Monday morning.
Their trip follows President Tinubu’s directive after the announcement of Buhari’s passing on Sunday in London at the age of 82 following a prolonged illness.
Upon arrival in the UK, the Nigerian delegation was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and other dignitaries.
As a sign of national mourning, President Tinubu on Sunday ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for seven days and convened an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Buhari’s honour.
The Vice President is expected to accompany the late President’s body back to Nigeria for burial in Daura, Katsina State.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several former Nigerian heads of state are expected to attend Buhari’s burial today (Monday) in Daura.
Naija News reports that the interment will follow Islamic burial customs, which typically require the deceased to be buried within 24 hours.
A senior Presidential official, speaking anonymously to Punch, confirmed on Sunday night that the burial would take place today in Daura.
The official 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.”
Although the Presidency has not released President Tinubu’s official itinerary, multiple sources say he is expected to be in Daura for the burial.