By Cross Udo and Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The remains of former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in a London hospital on Sunday, will depart the United Kingdom today en route to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, where he will be laid to rest later this afternoon.
A solemn wave of mourning swept through London on Monday as Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led a high-powered delegation on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, met with the grieving family of the late president, including his widow, Aisha Buhari.
Shettima’s visit came amid tears and deep sorrow expressed by family members and sympathisers over the loss of one of Nigeria’s most iconic politicians.
The Vice President also paid a courtesy visit to Buhari’s influential nephew, Malam Mamman Daura, who is recuperating at a hospital in London, as well as former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), who was recently discharged after a health scare.
These visits, according to the Presidency, were acts of solidarity and respect for Buhari’s close allies and a reflection of the gravity of the nation’s loss.
Shettima was accompanied by several top officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia.
The delegation was tasked with overseeing the smooth repatriation of the former president’s remains and coordinating the Federal Government’s involvement in the funeral.
Arrangements for the return of the body reached advanced stage yesterday, according to Channels Television’s UK correspondent, Juliana Olayinka.
“The documentation process for the release of the body from the London hospital where Buhari died was finalised. His remains are expected to arrive at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina by noon today, July 15,” the report stated.
President Tinubu is expected to personally receive the remains during a brief but dignified military ceremony at the airport.
The body will then be transported by road to Daura, Buhari’s ancestral hometown, for interment at his residence by 2 pm., by Islamic rites.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who confirmed the timeline at a press briefing on Monday, extended heartfelt condolences to the late President’s family, the government, and the Nigerian people. He described Buhari as a man of principle, humility, and national vision whose life of service impacted generations.
*State funeral and national mourning declared
In honour of the late leader, the Federal Government has declared July 15 (today) a national public holiday.
Tinubu also declared a seven-day national mourning period, during which all flags in Nigeria and at its missions abroad are to fly at half-mast.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the State Funeral is being coordinated by an Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
He noted that Buhari’s passing has drawn global attention, with condolence messages pouring in from world leaders and institutions.
As part of the ceremonies, condolence registers have been opened at federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as at Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja has also been designated for the signing of condolence messages.
Idris revealed that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have been directed to attend the burial rites in Daura and the Third-Day Islamic prayer service scheduled for Wednesday, July 16.
*Special FEC session postponed, NASS suspends sitting
A special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), initially slated for today in Abuja to honour Buhari’s legacy, has been postponed to Friday.
The rescheduling was necessitated by the state funeral activities in Daura, which most cabinet members are expected to attend.
Similarly, the National Assembly has suspended all legislative sessions this week in respect of the former President. In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, lawmakers will reconvene on July 22 to allow full participation in the burial proceedings.
The National Assembly described Buhari as a “symbol of national unity and integrity” and urged Nigerians to emulate his values of discipline, patriotism, and service.
*Jonathan, ex-Ghanaian president Akufo-Addo in London over Buhari
Among the notable personalities who visited London to pay respects was former president Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who succeeded Buhari in office in 2015.
Former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo joined him.
Both leaders paid glowing tributes and expressed condolences to Buhari’s family and Vice President Shettima.
Jonathan, who once contested against Buhari in a historic election, described him as “a leader who stood firm for what he believed in, even at great personal cost.”
Akufo-Addo praised Buhari for strengthening West African solidarity and regional stability during his tenure.
*Nigeria has lost a father– Senator Musa
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “a father to the nation” and “a symbol of integrity, discipline and courage.”
In a heartfelt condolence message issued shortly after Buhari’s death, the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District paid glowing tribute to the late statesman.
“President Buhari was not just a leader—he was a symbol of integrity, discipline, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity,” the statement read.
“A soldier, a statesman, and a patriot, he dedicated the entirety of his life to the service of our great nation with uncommon humility and resolute faith in God.”
Musa praised Buhari’s steadfastness, noting that in a world often driven by expediency, the late President stood out as a man of principle.
“In a world so often shaken by compromise, he stood firm—guided by conviction, not convenience; by principle, not popularity. His simplicity, personal restraint, and moral clarity left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s political and ethical landscape,” he said.
The Senator also reflected on Buhari’s religious devotion and spiritual grounding, stating: “We take solace in the knowledge that he was a devout man of faith, who walked in the fear of God and carried the burdens of leadership with deep spiritual reflection. Indeed, ‘To Allah, we belong, and to Him, we shall return.’”
Offering prayers for the repose of his soul, Senator Musa asked for Allah’s forgiveness on Buhari’s behalf and prayed that he be granted eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
“May his legacy of patriotism, personal integrity, and national service continue to inspire present and future generations,” the message concluded. “Nigeria has lost a father. Africa has lost a voice of reason. But we have all gained the enduring example of a man who lived not for the applause but for purpose.”
*Mourning in Daura, tributes pour nationwide
In Buhari’s hometown of Daura, residents and family members have been gathering since Sunday in quiet grief. His residence has become a hub of mourners—friends, associates, political allies, and ordinary citizens—who came to pay their respects to the man they described as “one of the most principled leaders Nigeria ever produced.”
One of Buhari’s childhood friends, Alhaji Sulaiman Yarin-Katsina, described him as a man whose “unwavering simplicity and discipline kept him grounded and connected to his people.” He added that Buhari’s name would be remembered not just for politics but for his humility and strong sense of justice.
Visitors to the Daura residence ahead of the burial included Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe; his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mukhtar Saulawa; Katsina APC Chairman, Sani Daura; and the AIG Zone 14, Aliyu Musa. Security presence has been significantly increased in and around the Daura Emirate Council, although commercial activities in the town continued largely uninterrupted.
*PMB, a principled, patriotic Nigerian, says Tompolo
Dr Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo has described the late former president Muhammadu Buhari as a principled and patriotic Nigerian.
Tompolo described in a statement he made available to reporters in Warri on Monday.
Tompolo, who is the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd., expressed sadness over the passage of the late general.
The Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation said that the late former president was not a materialistic person, adding that he was contented with what God blessed him with.
“Buhari was a principled and patriotic Nigerian who contributed his quota to the development of Nigeria during his tenure as president from 2015 to 2023.
“He sought persons of character, goodwill, and vigour to serve the country while he was president.
“That informed his hiring of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to handle the surveillance of critical oil and gas facilities in 2022 when the country’s oil and gas infrastructure was bleeding.
“Today, the story is different as the country is progressing steadily towards attaining a peak in oil production.
“Nigerians will miss his contributions to the unity and peace of the country,” he said.
Tompolo extended his heartfelt condolences to the country, his family, and close associates.
“May his soul rest in peace,” Tompolo prayed.
The former president reportedly died in London on July 13 at the age of 82 following a long illness.
*A life of service, principle
Born on December 17, 1942, Muhammadu Buhari rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army to become Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985. After decades in public life, he made a political comeback in 2015, defeating an incumbent president in a landmark election.
Buhari’s civilian Presidency was marked by major anti-corruption reforms, significant infrastructural development, and attempts to diversify Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy. His administration faced several challenges, including security threats and economic downturns, but his supporters often pointed to his integrity and personal discipline as his lasting virtues.
He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, several children, and grandchildren.
