Story By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
Nigeria has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday to honor former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82, after a prolonged illness in London.
President Bola Tinubu initially declared a seven-day national mourning period and later approved Tuesday as a holiday to allow Nigerians to pay their respects.
Tributes and Reactions
– Former President Goodluck Jonathan praised Buhari, saying he “was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism”.
– General Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, described him as “a man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life”.
– President Tinubu eulogized Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” whose life was defined by “duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation”.
Burial Arrangements
– Buhari’s remains will be flown to Katsina airport and then taken to his hometown of Daura for burial.
– The burial is scheduled for Tuesday, with the arrival of the corpse expected at 12 pm and the burial at 2 pm.
– In line with Islamic teachings, Buhari will be buried in a simple ceremony without a state funeral.
