…Tinubu orders VP to bring body home
Nigeria is in mourning, following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who died at the age of 82, and whose passing has drawn an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from across the nation and beyond.
A statement released by his family and signed by his former media aide, Garba Shehu, confirmed that the elder statesman passed away yesterday afternoon at a clinic in London, the United Kingdom (UK) following a prolonged illness.
The statement read: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin”.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also announced the passing of his predecessor in a separate statement yesterday evening. The President disclosed that he has spoken with Mrs. A’isha Buhari, the former First Lady, to express his condolences and has directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany President Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial.
As a mark of national respect, President Tinubu has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff nationwide.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari first rose to prominence after leading the military coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari’s civilian government in December 1983. He served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, when he was himself overthrown in a palace coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
His military rule was defined by the controversial “War Against Indiscipline,” an anti-corruption and social order campaign that attracted both praise and criticism for its authoritarian methods.
After decades out of power, Buhari returned to national politics as a civilian, contesting and losing presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011, before achieving a historic victory in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His election marked the first time an incumbent Nigerian president was defeated at the polls. Buhari was re-elected in 2019 and served until May 2023, when he handed over to President Tinubu.
Buhari’s administration was notable for its anti-corruption drive, efforts to combat insurgency in the North-East, and significant investments in infrastructure. However, his presidency also faced criticism over worsening insecurity, economic difficulties, mounting national debt, and concerns about human rights and press freedom.
His health was a subject of national concern during his time in office, with extended medical stays abroad fueling public debate. After leaving office in 2023, Buhari retired to his hometown in Daura, but spent increasing time overseas for medical care as his health declined in recent months.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across Nigeria and beyond, with many remembering him for his discipline, integrity, and lasting impact on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
