By Correspondent in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the death of Nigeria’s immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m., after a prolonged illness.
The announcement was made on Sunday in Abuja by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, adding that President Tinubu has personally spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the former First Lady, to express his heartfelt condolences.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the former president’s widow, and offered his deep condolences,” Onanuga said in a statement.
As part of the national mourning protocol, President Tinubu has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-staff in honour of the late leader.
“President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader,” Onanuga added.
The President has also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
Earlier on Sunday, Buhari’s longtime spokesman, Garba Shehu, confirmed the former president’s death in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
“INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIRRAJIUUN. The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, in a clinic in London,” Shehu wrote.
“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin,” he said.
Muhammadu Buhari, a retired Major General, first led Nigeria as a military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, following a coup.
Decades later, he returned as a democratically elected president in 2015, defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. He was re-elected for a second term in 2019, completing his tenure in 2023.
The late former president is remembered for his anti-corruption stance, his efforts to tackle insecurity and rebuild national infrastructure.among others.
Further details on funeral arrangements and national mourning activities are expected in the coming days.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
