Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Nigeria with the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a clinic in London.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Vice President Shettima arrived in the country with Buhari’s body via the Malam Umar Musa Yar’adua Airport in Katsina, in the company of some family members of the late former president.
The plane carrying the remains of the former President arrived at the Katsina airport from London at about 1:53 pm West Africa Time (WAT).
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had directed Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to proceed to the United Kingdom to retrieve the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival in Katsina, VP Shettima was received by President Bola Tinubu, who was accompanied by top government officials.
Buhari, who was 82, served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. He also served as Military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.
A brief military ceremony is currently being held at the port of arrival, at the time of filing this report, after which, the body will be transported to Daura for burial, following Islamic rites.
Dignitaries troop into Daura for Buhari’s burial
Meanwhile, Buhari’s hometown of Daura has turned into a miniature Mecca as dignitaries troop in to bid a final farewell to the deceased former president.
Dignitaries, including the Emir of Daura, have arrived at the residence of the late former President.
According to the Katsina State Government, three African leaders are to join President Tinubu in the funeral rites.
Already, President Abdourahamane Tchiani of the Niger Republic has sent his representative, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, who has arrived in Katsina.
TNG reports former VP Yemi Osinbajo, along with Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, has arrived in Katsina to attend the funeral. Former VP Atiku Abubakar has also arrived in Daura for the burial.
Similarly, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has arrived in Katsina. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Aliko Dangote have arrived in Katsina for the funeral.
Senate President Godwill Akpabio, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, former Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno, and former Ministers Abubakar Malami and Prof. Isa Pantami have also arrived in Katsina.
The delegation of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajjudden Abbas, has arrived in Katsina for the funeral of former President Buhari.