By John Moses
Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, has visited the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in London to offer condolences following Buhari’s death on Sunday at the age of 82.
In a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice-President), it was confirmed that Shettima travelled to London on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima is also overseeing arrangements to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial in his hometown of Daura on Tuesday.
Buhari, who initially travelled to London for a routine medical check-up in April, passed away at a clinic where he was receiving treatment. He served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, following a distinguished military career that included a period as Head of State between 1983 and 1985. He is survived by his wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and eight children.
During his time in London, the Vice-President also visited Buhari’s nephew, Malam Mamman Daura, who is recovering in hospital.
Nkwocha added that the condolence visits were made while Shettima awaited the completion of formalities and documentation needed to repatriate Buhari’s body.
The Vice-President was joined by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia.
