The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari departed London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday morning for Daura, Katsina State, where he will be accorded a state burial.
The late president’s body is being transported aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading a high-level Federal Government delegation to oversee final documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation of Buhari’s remains.
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On Monday, the Federal Government announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will personally receive the body of his predecessor in Katsina ahead of the final burial rites in Daura.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja.
According to Idris, the late president’s remains, following his passing on Sunday at a London hospital, are expected to arrive in Nigeria by noon on Tuesday.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina. Upon arrival, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body is transported to Daura.
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The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will then take place, followed by interment at the late President’s residence,”.
As part of the national mourning, President Tinubu has directed that condolence registers be opened in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide.
Another register will be opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The minister noted that condolence messages have been pouring in from world leaders, describing them as a testament to Buhari’s global stature and legacy.
To ensure a “dignified and well-coordinated programme,” President Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The committee is working in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.
Idris further announced that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to proceed to Katsina for the burial rites and will remain in Daura for the third-day prayers scheduled for Wednesday.