Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in London to accompany the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria for burial, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima touched down in the British capital on Monday morning, accompanied by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The duo was received at the airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.
According to a statement released by the Vice President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the trip is in line with President Tinubu’s instructions following the demise of Buhari on Sunday at approximately 4:30 p.m. in London.
President Tinubu had earlier announced the death of his predecessor and ordered national flags to fly at half-mast in mourning.
He also declared that Shettima and Gbajabiamila should travel to the United Kingdom to oversee the dignified return of the late leader’s body to Nigeria.
Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82, served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023, and previously as the country’s military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
His burial is scheduled to take place later today in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
