By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in London to escort the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima landed in the United Kingdom on Monday morning, accompanied by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. They were received at the airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.
The development was confirmed in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications.
President Tinubu had earlier announced Buhari’s death, which occurred on Sunday at approximately 4:30 p.m. in London.
In response, Tinubu directed Shettima and Gbajabiamila to lead the federal delegation to bring the former leader’s body home.
Buhari, who died at the age of 82, served as Nigeria’s civilian President from 2015 to 2023, and earlier as military Head of State from 1984 to 1985.
As part of national mourning, Tinubu has ordered flags across the country to be flown at half-staff for one week.
According to Islamic rites, Buhari is expected to be buried later today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
