The Federal Government has postponed the special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session earlier scheduled for Tuesday in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, due to the state funeral slated for the same day in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.
A new date for the session will be announced by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation after the funeral proceedings.
To honour the late Nigerian leader, the Federal Government has also declared Tuesday, 15 July, a public holiday.
President Bola Tinubu, who ordered the FEC session as a tribute to Buhari’s “invaluable contributions to the country”, also declared a seven-day national mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast.
Former President Buhari died on Sunday, 13 July, at about 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital following a prolonged illness. He died at 82.
In line with Islamic rites, his remains are expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday and will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. in Daura.
This was confirmed by Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, who briefed the press after consultations with the late president’s family and associates in the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima paid a condolence visit to Buhari’s family in London on Monday. Acting on behalf of President Tinubu, the Vice President met with Buhari’s widow, Mrs Aishat Buhari. Also, he visited the late president’s nephew, Mamman Daura, who is currently recuperating in a London hospital.
According to Stanley Nkwocha, Spokesman and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the condolence visit was conducted while formal documentation for the repatriation of the remains was being finalised.
Shettima was accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.
As arrangements continue in London, solemn scenes have already begun to unfold in Nigeria. Mourners have gathered at Buhari’s Daura residence, with relatives, neighbours, and associates offering tributes and prayers.
Though security presence has increased in and around Daura, including the Emirate Council, commercial activities have continued in surrounding areas.
Channels Television’s UK Correspondent, Juliana Olayinka, reports that necessary procedures are underway at the London hospital to release the body of the former president.
Tributes have poured in from across the country, with many describing Buhari as a man of integrity and a symbol of selfless leadership.
Born in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari first led Nigeria as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. He returned to power as a democratically elected president, serving from 29 May 2015 to 29 May 2023.
