FG sets up committee on burial plans for ex-president Buhari

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government has released the official burial arrangements for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a London clinic after a prolonged illness.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told journalists in Abuja on Monday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate the state burial. The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and includes top cabinet members and security officials.

The committee is working closely with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family to ensure a dignified farewell for the late leader.

According to the schedule, Buhari’s remains are expected to arrive in Katsina at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 15. A brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body proceeds to Daura, his hometown, for Jana’iza prayers and interment at his residence. President Tinubu is expected to receive the body personally.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently leading a delegation in London to finalize the repatriation of Buhari’s remains.

In a related development, 25 members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have been directed to travel to Katsina to participate in the burial programme and attend the Third-Day Prayers in Daura on Wednesday, July 16.

The previously scheduled special FEC session in Buhari’s honour, originally slated for Tuesday, has been postponed to Friday, July 18.