Gladness Gideon
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially confirmed the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday following a prolonged illness.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his predecessor and extended heartfelt condolences to the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and the entire Buhari family.
To honour the late statesman, President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom immediately to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
“As a mark of national mourning and respect, the President has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff across the country,” the statement read.
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Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, had previously ruled as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985. His leadership was defined by a strong anti-corruption stance and efforts to strengthen national security and the economy.
Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family in due course, in line with Islamic rites.