The Federal Government is set to convene a special expanded session of the Federal Executive Council today, Thursday, July 17, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The meeting, scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, is part of the official mourning activities approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following Buhari’s passing on Sunday, July 13, in London at the age of 82.
According to a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the special FEC session will bring together senior government officials, members of the National Assembly, Judiciary representatives, and members of the late President’s family.
“As part of the special mourning activities approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, an expanded special session of the Federal Executive Council in honour of the late former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, is scheduled to take place today at 5:00 p.m.,” the statement read.
Earlier today, Vice President Kashim Shettima led a Federal Government delegation to Daura, Katsina State, for the third-day prayer (Fidau) at Buhari’s residence. The prayer session was attended by cabinet ministers and top government functionaries.
“The Special FEC meeting will follow the third-day Fidau prayer for the late former President in Daura, where the Vice President is leading a delegation comprising ministers and other dignitaries,” Ibrahim added.
In addition to the special FEC session, the government has lined up interfaith prayer services to honour the late statesman. A special Muslim prayer will be held at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday, July 18, while a Christian memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, July 20.
“The Expanded FEC meeting will be attended by the leadership of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and representatives of the family of the late President,” the Information Ministry stated. “Furthermore, on Friday, July 18, a special prayer session will be held at the National Mosque, Abuja, and a special church service will follow on Sunday, July 20.”
Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1983 and 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
