The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari has departed London, the United Kingdom, for Daura, Katsina State, ahead of a state burial.
On Monday, the federal government said that President Bola Tinubu will receive the former President’s remains in Katsina ahead of his final interment in Daura.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja.
Idris said the body of the former president, who died on Sunday in a London hospital, is expected to arrive in Nigeria by noon on Tuesday.
He explained that upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body is moved to Daura.
According to the statement, the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place thereafter, followed by interment at the late President’s residence.
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, a testament to the global stature and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari.
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.
Idris 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.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has suspended all legislative activities in honour of the former President, who passed away at the age of 82.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives directed the suspension of plenary sessions and all related activities until Tuesday, July 22.
It said the decision was made to pay tribute to Buhari’s legacy of integrity and dedicated service to the nation. Lawmakers have also been encouraged to adjust their schedules to participate in the late president’s burial rites.
The leadership extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and Nigerians at large.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, paid tribute to Buhari and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing both as steadfast champions of national unity and moral leadership.