By Philomina Brando
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at about 4:30 pm after a prolonged illness.
President Tinubu spoke with Mrs. Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow, and offered his deep condolences.
In a show of respect, President Tinubu has ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. As a mark of respect for the departed leader, President Tinubu has also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff.
President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2019. He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. As a democratically elected President, he led the All Progressives Congress (APC) to victory over the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).