*Late former President for Burial Tuesday by 2:pm
By Louis Akwarandu
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, arrived in London on Monday to receive the body of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.
Their mission follows an express directive from President Tinubu, who mandated the delegation to supervise arrangements for the dignified return and state burial of the late leader.
The high-level delegation was received at Heathrow Airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, alongside Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and other top Nigerian officials based in the United Kingdom.
According to sources within the presidency, Buhari’s body is expected to be flown back to Nigeria within 48 hours, where final rites will be conducted in line with Islamic traditions and national protocol. Security has reportedly been tightened around key federal institutions in preparation for the burial.
Also, President Tinubu is expected to chair an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Tuesday, July 15, where a national mourning program will be formalized, and key decisions taken to honor the late former head of state.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a two-term civilian president between 2015 and 2023, was a figure of discipline, debate, and devotion to public service. Though his administration drew both commendation and criticism, he remained one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures until his final days.
The presidency has urged Nigerians at home and abroad to remain peaceful and respectful during this period of national transition.
“President Buhari served Nigeria with resilience and vision. His journey in and out of public office inspired generations. We mourn, but we also celebrate his legacy,” a statement from the presidency read on Monday morning.
A full state funeral is expected to take place on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State, his hometown, according to information by the state government,
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