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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo have arrived in London to coordinate arrangements for the return of the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s body to Nigeria.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after a previous tenure as military Head of State between 1983 and 1985, died in a London hospital on Sunday following reported complications from age-related illness. He was 82.
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the late president as part of the seven-day national mourning period declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking in London, Dr. Jonathan described Buhari’s death as “a monumental loss to Nigeria and the African continent,” adding that “President Buhari represented a unique era of military discipline and civilian democratic leadership, and history will remember him for his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.”
Also addressing reporters, President Akufo-Addo hailed Buhari as “a pillar of regional stability,” recalling his pivotal role in peacekeeping and democratic consolidation across West Africa, particularly through his support for ECOWAS missions.
Other prominent figures present in London include representatives from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior members of the late president’s family, and officials of the Nigerian Air Force, which is expected to facilitate the repatriation of the body via a presidential jet.
Plans are underway for a state funeral with tributes already pouring in from across the globe. Diplomats, former presidents, international organizations, and global leaders have all expressed condolences and paid glowing tributes to the late Nigerian leader.
A formal funeral committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume is expected to announce the full burial itinerary in the coming days.
As Nigeria mourns one of its most influential and controversial figures, the nation braces for an emotional farewell to a man whose life traversed the corridors of military rule and democratic governance.