Tinubu to receive Buhari’s remains in Katsina on Tuesday — Information Minister

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu will personally receive the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina on Tuesday, as the Federal Government begins a full state burial in honour of the late leader.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, confirming that Buhari’s body is expected to arrive at noon and will be received with a military ceremony at the airport.

The remains will then be moved to Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, where funeral prayers (Jana’iza) and interment will take place at his private residence in accordance with Islamic rites.

President Tinubu has approved a state funeral and set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate the events. The committee is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and includes ministers of defence, interior, health, finance, housing, FCT, culture, and infrastructure. The General Services Office will serve as secretariat.

Twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have been directed to travel to Katsina to participate in the ceremonies, including the Third-Day Prayers scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, in Daura.

The Minister described the moment as significant and called on Nigerians to reflect and offer prayers for the soul of one of the country’s most prominent post-independence leaders.

“As we prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, the Federal Government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and reflection for the repose of his soul,” Idris said.

The Special FEC Meeting earlier scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, has now been moved to Friday, July 18, to accommodate the burial proceedings.