President Bola Tinubu and a roll-call of Nigeria’s past heads of state are expected to converge on Daura today as the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari are laid to rest, in keeping with Islamic tradition.
This is as Vice-President Kashim Shettima, directed by the President, accompanied Buhari’s remains from London where he died at around 04:30 pm Sunday.
Presidency officials who spoke to The PUNCH Sunday night confirmed that the former President’s remains would arrive the country early Monday to be flown to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, for burial.
“The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow (Monday).
“You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time,” one official said preferring to stay anonymous.
Another source explained, “When the corpse arrives, we are sure the President would go there. After they go to Daura, the President can join them there.”
On whether the other African heads of state are expected to arrive Nigeria for condolence visits, a third official stated, “Yes, there would be mainly West African Leaders. But we don’t know who and who until they start to communicate on Monday.”
The official added, “The body will arrive early tomorrow and be buried. We’ll start having heads of state from West Africa. It is likely that some will come.
“If they come they will stay in their hotels until they get a time to see the President tomorrow (Monday).
