President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today (Tuesday) receive the remains of the late Nigerian leader, Muhammadu Buhari, at the Katsina Airport for burial.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed.
Buhari, who died in London on Sunday at the age of 82, will be laid to rest later today at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, after the Jana’iza (funeral prayer).
In preparation for the state burial, President Tinubu on Monday approved the constitution of an inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
According to a statement from the Office of the SGF, the committee is tasked with planning and coordinating a befitting state burial. Members include the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Information and National Orientation, Works, Interior, FCT, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Social Welfare, and Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
Other members are the National Security Adviser, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and the Chief of Defence Staff. The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, will serve as the Secretariat.
In honour of Buhari, Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers at their entrances for the public to pay tribute to the late statesman.
“The President has directed that Condolence Registers be opened in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Additional registers will be opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, as well as at Nigerian Embassies and Missions abroad,” Idris announced.
He also revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre will host central condolence registers for the diplomatic community and general public.
Furthermore, in respect of the late president, the SGF, Senator Akume, has postponed the previously scheduled meeting with State Secretaries, earlier slated for July 15–16 in Jos. A new date will be announced.
President Tinubu has also ordered 25 members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to attend the full schedule of the burial rites in Katsina and the third-day prayers in Daura on Wednesday, July 16.
“As the country prepares to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, the federal government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and reflection for the repose of the soul of the former President,” Idris said.
He added that the Special FEC meeting earlier slated for today has been rescheduled to Friday, July 18.
The Minister confirmed that Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in London, heading a delegation concluding documentation and logistical arrangements for Buhari’s repatriation.
“The remains of the former president are expected to arrive in Katsina by noon today. Upon arrival, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport ahead of the Jana’iza in Daura,” he added.
To mark the passing of the former leader, Tinubu has declared seven days of national mourning, beginning Sunday, July 13. During this period, national flags are to fly at half-mast across Nigeria.
“All state governments and the private sector are hereby directed to comply accordingly. In addition, the president has declared tomorrow, Tuesday, a Public Holiday,” Idris said.
Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from Heads of State and Governments around the world, underscoring the global stature and enduring legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari.
