EX-PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s body has arrived at the Katsina Airport.
The body, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and some family members of the late former president, landed at the airport runway at about 1:59 pm.
President Bola Tinubu, who personally received the body at the airport, had earlier asked Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Femi Gbajabiamila, his Chief of Staff, to proceed to the UK to accompany the body home.
Also Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, and members of the Katsina State Executive Council, 20 other governors, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibril, among other dignitaries, were also on the ground to receive the corpse alongside some family members of the late former President.
Buhari’s body, draped in the Nigerian flag, was brought down from the Nigerian Air Force aircraft by officials of the Nigerian Military at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina, Katsina.
His remains will be taken to Daura, where he will be buried after receiving a military farewell.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja.
According to Idris, the body of the former president, who died on Sunday in a London hospital, is expected to arrive in Nigeria by noon on Tuesday.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina.
“Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body is moved to Daura.
“The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place thereafter, followed by interment at the late President’s residence,” Idris said.
The minister said as part of national mourning, Tinubu has directed that condolence registers be opened across all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as at Nigerian embassies and missions abroad.
He said another register is to be opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Idris also noted that world leaders have continued to send in condolence messages.
“The condolences coming in from Heads of State and Governments across the globe are a testament to the global stature and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
