London, UK – Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in London on Monday morning, fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s directive to facilitate the repatriation of the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in the British capital on Sunday.
Shettima was accompanied by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Upon their arrival, they were received by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum. The Vice President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed the development in a post on Monday morning.
The mission follows the announcement by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday regarding the passing of his predecessor, who died in London at approximately 4:30 pm. President Tinubu had specifically directed Vice President Shettima and Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
As a mark of respect for the departed leader, President Tinubu has also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the nation. Buhari, who served as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, also held the position of military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
According to Islamic rites, former President Buhari’s remains are slated to be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Monday.
