Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for London following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to accompany the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria.
The former President passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 while receiving treatment at a hospital in London. His death was formally announced by President Tinubu, who described Buhari as a “patriot who served Nigeria with discipline and devotion.”
In a show of national honour, President Tinubu directed Vice President Shettima and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to lead the federal delegation to bring Buhari’s body home for burial.
As part of the official mourning protocol, the President has also ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. He had earlier led the country as a military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985.
