Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for London on President Bola Tinubu’s directive following the announcement of the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death.
Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu announced the passing of his predecessor, former president Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at approximately 4:30 pm.
Tinubu directed Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to proceed to London to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Buhari, who was 82, served as Nigeria’s democratically-elected president from 2015 to 2023.
He also served as Military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.
Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the departed leader. (NAN)
Meanwhile retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Military Head of State, described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a great patriot and statesman who significantly contributed to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.
Abubakar, who is in London, told the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview on Monday, “From God we came, and to Him we shall all return.”
He stated that Buhari would be deeply missed by his family, friends, and indeed all Nigerians, and prayed for God’s repose of his soul.
Abubakar said, “The death of President Buhari is a painful one, but who are we to question the will of Almighty Allah?
” We have lost an honest, sincere leader and a patriotic Nigerian at this critical time.
“But as we say, who are we to question the will of Almighty Allah?
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and give the family and indeed all Nigerians the strength to bear this loss.”
He highlighted Buhari’s efforts in fighting corruption during both his military and civilian administrations, implementing measures that significantly impacted Nigeria’s trajectory.
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