The physique of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died aged 82 in a London clinic on Sunday, is because of be flown residence later to be buried in his hometown in Katsina state.
Katsina state governor Dikko Radda, who returned to Nigeria on Monday morning after being with Buhari’s household in London, mentioned Buhari can be buried in Daura city, 50 miles (80km) from Katsina metropolis on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima is in London and can accompany Buhari’s stays again to Nigeria.
“Based mostly on my discussions with the household and shut individuals which can be with the corpse, preparations are ongoing with the intention to carry the physique again to Nigeria,” mentioned Radda.
”What I’ve gathered to date is that the corpse will arrive 12pm tomorrow [Tuesday] and the burial will occur by 2pm,” he added.
He mentioned the burial, initially anticipated on Monday, had been delayed to permit extra individuals to attend.
Buhari’s residence in Daura is already crammed with mourners as pals, household and well-wishers await the arrival of his corpse.
The vice-president additionally confirmed Daura to be Buhari’s last resting place in a put up on social media after arriving in London on Monday morning.
He mentioned that Buhari had died after a quick sickness with out revealing any additional particulars, nonetheless the previous president had suffered from ill-health for a few years.
Despite the fact that he is a former president, there won’t be a state funeral. In keeping with Islamic teachings, Buhari can be buried as rapidly as potential in a easy ceremony, Islamic cleric Abdullahi Garangamawa advised the BBC.
Tributes have continued to pour in for the late military common who led Nigeria twice – first as navy chief and an elected president after changing into the primary opposition chief to defeat an incumbent, in 2015.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, defeated by Buhari in 2015, described the late chief as somebody who “was selfless in his dedication to his obligation and served the nation with character and a deep sense of patriotism”.
Former navy ruler, Normal Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, additionally showered praises on the octogenarian.
“He’s a person who, even in retirement, remained an ethical compass to many, and an instance of modesty in public life,” Babangida famous.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is anticipated to attend the funeral prayer in Daura, has declared a seven-day nationwide mourning interval in honour of his predecessor.
In an official condolence assertion launched on Sunday night, Tinubu mentioned the nation would pay its last respects to the previous chief with dignity and honour, beginning with the decreasing of all nationwide flags to half-mast throughout the nation from Sunday.
Extra about Nigeria from the BBC:
[Getty Images/BBC]
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