The late former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari will be buried in his hometown, Daura, in Katsina State today.
Recall that Buhari had died in the United Kingdom on Sunday after an undisclosed illness.
Following his death, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, had arrived London, the United Kingdom, to receive the body of the late president and bring it back to Nigeria on Monday.
The Nigerian delegation to the United Kingdom was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum; among others.
Announcing Buhari’s burial for today, the Governor of Buhari’s home state, Katsina State, Dikko Radda, disclosed that arrangement for the former President’s burial was done in consultation with his family and close associates in London.
Speaking to journalists, the governor said Buhari will arrive Katsina at noon today, adding that the burial will take place at 2 pm in Daura.
He expressed deep condolences on behalf of himself, the state government, and the people of Katsina State to the family of the late President and all Nigerians mourning the loss of a national icon.
FG Committee
Meanwhile, ahead of the burial, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to manage the planning and organisation of a state burial for Buhari.
Tinubu charged the inter-ministerial committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, with ensuring a dignified farewell for the late leader.
In a statement on Monday, Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, listed members of the committee to include FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning; Defence; Information and National Orientation; and Works.
Other members are Interior Minister, Housing and Urban Development; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters; Inspector-General of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services and Chief of Defence Staff.
Imohiosen explained that the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will function as the committee’s secretariat.
He disclosed that Tinubu instructed all ministries, departments, and agencies to open condolence registers at the entrances of their offices to allow the public pay tribute to the late president.
“In honour of the late Muhammadu Buhari, President Tinubu has also directed all ministries, departments and agencies to open condolence registers at the entrance of their respective offices for the public to pay their respects to the late elder statesman.
“Additionally, a central condolence register for the diplomatic community and the general public will be opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. Further briefings will follow as the days unfold,” the statement read.