…As Tinubu receives body in Katsina
The Federal Government has declared today, Tuesday, a public holiday in honour of the Late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, as part of the seven days of national mourning announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on Monday following the approval of President Tinubu. In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, the Minister described the holiday as a mark of respect for Buhari’s devoted service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo said: “President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld”. He urged Nigerians to use the day to honour Buhari’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu will personally receive the remains of the late President in Katsina today, Tuesday, ahead of Buhari’s final interment in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that the body, which will arrive from London by 12 noon, will be received with a brief military ceremony at the airport before being moved to Daura for Jana’iza (funeral prayers) and burial at his residence.
Idris revealed that condolence registers have been opened across all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Nigerian embassies and missions abroad. A central register is also available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja for the diplomatic community and members of the public to pay their respects.
To ensure a dignified and well-coordinated burial, President Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The committee comprises key ministers, senior security officials, and top presidential aides. Its members include the Ministers of Finance, Defence, Information, Interior, FCT, Works, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Social Welfare (State), and Culture as well as Creative Economy, along with the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, (DSS), Chief of Defence Staff, and senior presidential advisers.
The Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office will serve as the secretariat for the committee, which will work closely with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family to deliver a befitting State funeral.
Idris added that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will attend the burial rites in Daura and remain for the Third-Day prayers scheduled for Wednesday. He also noted that condolence messages have continued to pour in from Heads of State and Governments worldwide, reflecting Buhari’s global stature and the mark he left on Nigeria’s history.
As earlier announced, national flags are to fly at half-mast throughout the mourning period which began on Sunday, 13th July.
The Federal Government extended its deepest condolences to the Buhari family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of the Late President’s soul.
