President Bola Tinubu has officially announced the death of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday following a prolonged illness.
According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Buhari died at approximately 4:30 PM in the United Kingdom capital where he had been receiving medical treatment.
The Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu has already reached out to the late president’s widow, Mrs. Aishat Buhari, to offer his condolences during this difficult period. The current president has also taken immediate steps to ensure the former leader receives appropriate honors befitting his status.
In a significant gesture of respect, President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria. This decision underscores the importance the current administration places on honoring the former president’s legacy and ensuring his dignified return to his homeland.
The official statement highlighted Buhari’s distinguished political career, noting that he was “twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023” and “also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.” This reference appears to contain an error, as Buhari served as civilian president from 2015 to 2023, not winning elections in 2023.
As a mark of respect for the departed leader, President Tinubu has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff across the country. This traditional honor reflects the solemnity of the occasion and the recognition of Buhari’s significant contributions to Nigerian governance over several decades.
The announcement comes just days after reports emerged about Buhari’s hospitalization in London, with his former media aide having recently provided updates suggesting his condition was stable and improving. The former president’s death marks the end of a notable chapter in Nigerian politics, as he was among the few leaders to have served the country in both military and civilian capacities.
