Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari in London, United Kingdom.
The visit came a day after the passing of the former Nigerian leader, who died at about 4:30 pm on Sunday in a London hospital.
Shettima met with the widow of the late president, Aisha Buhari, as well as other family members, expressing the nation’s deep sorrow over the loss of the elder statesman.
“Vice President Shettima’s visit is part of the official processes leading to the return of the former president’s remains to Nigeria,” said Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, in a statement titled ‘VP Shettima Pays Condolence Visit to Buhari’s Family in London’.
The Vice President also visited Mamman Daura, a close relative of the late president, who is currently receiving treatment at a London hospital.
According to Nkwocha, the Vice President is “awaiting the completion of necessary documentation and protocols for the repatriation of the late president’s body.”
Shettima was accompanied by several top government officials including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian delegation, Shettima stated, “President Buhari was a symbol of discipline and dedication. We are here to console the family and ensure that his final journey is handled with the dignity he deserves.”
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed Shettima and other top aides to travel to the UK to support the Buhari family and facilitate the return of the body to Nigeria.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 and as military Head of State from 1984 to 1985, will be buried in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.
President Tinubu also ordered all flags across the country to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
“The nation has lost a patriot. President Buhari’s legacies of integrity and service will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said in an earlier statement.
