The Nigerian government has declared Tuesday a public holiday to honor former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82 in a London clinic on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
President Bola Tinubu, Buhari’s successor, had initially announced a seven-day national mourning period and has now further approved Tuesday as a public holiday.
Nigeria’s interior minister stated that “this public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld.”
Katsina state governor Dikko Radda, who accompanied Buhari’s family in London, confirmed that the former president will be buried in his home state on Tuesday.
“The information I have is that the body will arrive at 12pm tomorrow [Tuesday], and the burial will take place by 2pm,” Governor Radda stated.
Officials have cited logistical reasons for the funeral’s postponement from its initially expected date of Monday.
The former president’s remains will be flown directly to Katsina airport before being transported to his final resting place in his hometown of Daura, approximately 80km from Katsina city, according to Governor Radda.
Mourners have already gathered at Buhari’s home, as friends, family, and well-wishers await the arrival of his body.
The vice-president indicated that Buhari passed away after a brief illness, without disclosing further details.
Islamic cleric Abdullahi Garangamawa told the BBC that despite his former presidential status, Buhari will be buried swiftly in a simple ceremony, adhering to Islamic traditions, and will not receive a state funeral.
Tributes continue to pour in for the late army general, who led Nigeria on two occasions – first as a military leader and later as an elected president, becoming the first opposition leader to defeat an incumbent in 2015.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom Buhari defeated in 2015, described the late leader as a man who “was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.”
General Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, also praised the former president.
Babangida remarked that Buhari “is a man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to attend the funeral prayer in Daura, has declared a seven-day national mourning period to honor his predecessor.
In an official condolence statement issued on Sunday evening, President Tinubu stated that the nation would pay its final respects to the former leader with dignity and honor, beginning with the lowering of all national flags to half-mast across the country from Sunday.
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