Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for London on President Bola Tinubu’s directive following the announcement of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death.
The Presidential jet that conveyed him departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport Abuja at about 23:53 GMT.
President Tinubu had immediately after the announcement, directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
President Tinubu announced the passing of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at approximately 4:30 pm.
Former President Buhari, who was 82, served as Nigeria’s democratically elected President for eight years, from 2015 to 2023.
He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
He has also directed seven days of mourning and has summoned an emergency meeting of his cabinet, specifically dedicated to the late Muhammadu Buhari.
Olusola Akintonde