President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima are set to travel to Daura, Katsina State, today, for the final burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The quiet arrival of Buhari’s remains in Nigeria marks the final chapter of a leader who ruled the country both in military uniform and in civilian attire. Tinubu, Shettima set for Daura farewell — and so is a nation preparing to bury a man who once defined its direction.
Buhari’s Remains Arrive as Daura Prepares for Burial
Vice-President Shettima, on direct orders from President Tinubu, escorted Buhari’s body from London following the former President’s death on Sunday evening. The burial is scheduled for Monday, in accordance with Islamic customs, which require immediate internment.
Presidency sources confirmed Buhari’s remains would be flown in overnight and driven straight to Daura for burial.
“The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow (Monday),” said one official, who chose to remain anonymous.
“You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time.”
Another official added, “The President is expected to be there. He might join them once the body arrives in Daura.”
There is also speculation that some West African leaders will visit Nigeria in the coming days to pay their respects. However, names and confirmations remain uncertain.
One senior official said, “It is likely that some will come. If they do, they will stay in their hotels until they get a time to see the President tomorrow.”
He added, “You know, the President just came back in the early hours of today. He’s still resting.”
Tinubu Orders State Mourning, Summons FEC Meeting
President Tinubu officially announced Buhari’s death on Sunday and issued a series of state directives to honour his predecessor.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President disclosed that he had spoken with Buhari’s widow, Aisha, to offer his condolences. The statement also revealed that Shettima had been ordered to accompany the former leader’s body back home.
Flags across the country were ordered to fly at half-mast for seven days, and an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, in Buhari’s honour.
“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” Tinubu said.
“I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.”
“He Was a Patriot to the Core” — Tinubu’s Farewell Words
The President described Buhari’s death as a personal loss, noting that the late leader was “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.”
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures,” he wrote in a personally signed tribute.
Tinubu praised Buhari’s leadership style and his commitment to Nigeria’s unity, both as a military ruler from 1984 to 1985 and as an elected President from 2015 to 2023.
“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” Tinubu added. “He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”
Buhari was lauded for prioritising discipline in public service, tackling corruption head-on, and consistently placing national interest above personal gain.
“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him,” Tinubu wrote.
A Final Journey Marked by Health and Silence
The former President had flown to London in June for follow-up care related to an undisclosed condition. During his presidency, Buhari made frequent trips abroad for medical reasons, drawing attention and criticism from both supporters and opponents.
His first known medical visit as President occurred in 2016 and lasted ten days. But by 2017, his medical leaves became longer and more frequent. That year, he spent over 100 days in London during a single stretch—his longest absence from office, which raised concerns over presidential power and succession.
Throughout his presidency, medical updates were kept vague, with official statements often describing them as “routine check-ups.” From 2018 to 2021, he continued making yearly medical trips to the UK. His final journey followed that same quiet pattern—unannounced, understated, and now irreversible.
Tinubu, Shettima Set for Daura Farewell as Nation Watches
As preparations wrap up in Daura for the burial, the presence of Tinubu and Shettima underscores the gravity of the moment. The farewell is more than a formality; it is a statement from the current leadership that Buhari’s legacy—whatever its contradictions—will be acknowledged with full national honours.
President Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the federal government will organise a burial worthy of Buhari’s contributions to the country. “We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” he said.
