Shettima pays condolence visit to Aisha Buhari in London ahead of state funeral

Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid a condolence visit to Aisha Buhari, widow of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, at a residence in London, ahead of the planned state funeral.

Shettima met with members of the Buhari family during the visit on Monday, offering words of comfort on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the federal government.

The former president died on Sunday at a clinic in London at the age of 82. President Tinubu had directed Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to receive Buhari’s remains and represent the country in condoling with the bereaved family.

Originally, Buhari’s remains were scheduled to arrive Nigeria on Monday for immediate burial, but logistical delays forced a change of plans.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, confirmed that the body would now arrive in Nigeria by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, with the burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. in Daura, Buhari’s hometown, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Radda explained that the decision was made in consultation with the family and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure a smooth and dignified final farewell.

Shettima’s visit marks the beginning of official mourning and arrangements for a state funeral in honour of Buhari, who served Nigeria as both a military and civilian leader.

Buhari ruled as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023.