ABUJA, July 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigeria’s government has declared Tuesday a public holiday to honour former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died aged 82, in a London clinic on Sunday after battling ill health for years.
His successor, President Bola Tinubu, who had initially declared a seven-day national mourning period, has further approved Tuesday as a holiday.
“This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” Nigeria’s interior minister said in a statement.
Katsina state governor Dikko Radda, who returned to Nigeria on Monday after being with Buhari’s family in the British capital, said Buhari would be buried in his home state on Tuesday.
”What I have gathered so far is that Buhari’s body will arrive 12pm Tuesday and the burial will happen by 2 pm,” he added.
Officials say the funeral, initially expected on Monday, has been delayed for logistical reasons.
The former president’s remains will be flown directly to Katsina airport before being moved to their final resting place in his hometown of Daura, 80km from Katsina city, Radda said.
Buhari’s home is already filled with mourners as friends, family, and well-wishers await the arrival of his remains.
The vice-president said that Buhari had died after a brief illness without revealing any further details. — NNN-AGENCIES
