In a carefully coordinated operation, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in London on Monday morning to officially escort former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria, following President Bola Tinubu’s urgent directive. The somber mission, which includes top government officials, comes just hours after Buhari’s death at a London hospital on Sunday afternoon, where the 82-year-old former leader had been receiving treatment for leukemia.
Shettima was accompanied by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and met upon arrival by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, forming a distinguished delegation that reflects both national unity and respect for Buhari’s legacy. The team is working closely with British authorities and the Buhari family to ensure all protocols are observed before the former president’s body is flown back to Abuja for immediate burial in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, according to Islamic traditions.
Key Details of the Repatriation Mission
✔ Official Delegation:
- VP Shettima (team leader)
- Femi Gbajabiamila (Chief of Staff)
- Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs Minister)
- Babagana Zulum (Borno Governor)
✔ Schedule:
- Remains to arrive Nigeria Monday evening
- Immediate burial in Daura, Katsina per Islamic rites
- National mourning continues with flags at half-mast
✔ Historical Context:
- First state repatriation since Sani Abacha’s in 1998
- Shettima’s selection honors Buhari’s Northeast political base
Why This Matters
🔹 Protocol Significance: Highest-level delegation for former leader
🔹 Cultural Observance: Swift burial aligns with Islamic traditions
🔹 National Unity: Cross-regional delegation demonstrates solidarity
Presidential Tribute:
“We honor a leader who served at Nigeria’s most critical junctions – as soldier and statesman.” – Stanley Nkwocha (VP’s Spokesperson)
