By Abdul Lauya
The Federal Government has declared today, Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose remains will be laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.
This follows the announcement of a state funeral for the late leader, who died on Sunday in a London clinic after a prolonged illness. He was aged 82.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Buhari’s body will arrive from London by noon today and will be committed to mother earth in accordance with Islamic rites.
In view of the state burial, the special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session earlier scheduled for today to honour the late president has been postponed. The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is expected to announce a new date after the funeral.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared a seven-day national mourning period with flags to fly at half-mast nationwide, praised his predecessor for his “invaluable contributions to our country.”
The President also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to travel to London to condole with the Buhari family and accompany the late president’s remains back to Nigeria.
Buhari, a former military Head of State (1983–1985) and two-term civilian President (2015–2023), will be accorded full state honours as Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most prominent political figures.
