Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Katsina State to receive the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a London hospital at the age of 82.
The presidential jet conveying President Tinubu touched down at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport, Katsina, at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
He was received by the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, alongside senior government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.
President Tinubu’s arrival signals the commencement of formal burial rites for the late Nigerian leader, whose remains will be interred later on Tuesday, 15th July, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic customs.
Voice of Nigeria earlier reported that prominent Nigerians — including serving and former governors, ministers, and sympathisers — had gathered at the Daura residence of the deceased ahead of the arrival of his remains.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, and other members of the federal delegation had accompanied the body from London, along with members of the late President’s family.
The Vice President and Chief of Staff had been directed by President Tinubu to lead the federal delegation accompanying the body back to Nigeria.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.
In his tribute, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman who dedicated his life to the unity and progress of Nigeria.”
PIAK