In preparation for a state funeral, the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari left London, the United Kingdom, on Tuesday morning for Daura, Katsina State.
According to The Intercept, the deceased president’s remains was transported on a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
A high-level Federal Government team led by Vice President Kashim Shettima is working to finish the paperwork and logistical plans for the return of the former president’s remains.
The federal government announced on Monday that the former president’s remains will be sent to President Bola Tinubu in Katsina before to his ultimate burial in Daura, Katsina State.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this at a news conference in Abuja.
Idris said the former president’s body, which passed away at a hospital in London on Sunday, should reach Nigeria by Tuesday midday.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina.
“Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body is moved to Daura.
“The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place thereafter, followed by interment at the late President’s residence,” Idris said.
The minister said as part of national mourning, Tinubu has directed that condolence registers be opened across all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as at Nigerian embassies and missions abroad.
He said another register is to be opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Idris also noted that world leaders have continued to send in condolence messages.
“The condolences coming in from Heads of State and Governments across the globe are a testament to the global stature and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
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To ensure what he described as a “dignified and well-coordinated programme,” Idris said the President has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The committee will work in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.
The minister further announced that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been directed to proceed to Katsina for the burial rites and to remain in Daura for the Third-Day prayers scheduled for Wednesday.
