The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari was flown out of London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday morning en route to Daura, Katsina State, for a State burial.
It was reported that the late President’s remains were transported aboard a Nigerian Air Force craft.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima is leading a high-level Federal Government delegation to oversee final documentation and logistical preparations for the repatriation of the former Presidents’ body.
The Federal Government announced Monday that President Bola Tinubu will receive the late former President’s remains in Katsina before the final burial in Daura, Katsina State.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja.
Idris added that the body, following the former President’s death on Sunday at a London hospital, is expected to reach Nigeria by noon on Tuesday.
“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 stated that, as part of the national mourning, President Bola Tinubu has ordered condolence registers to be opened in all Federal Ministers, Departments, and Agencies, as well as in Nigerian embassies and missions around the world.
According to him, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja is to open another register.
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.
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.
