Final Journey of a Statesman: Nigeria Mourns as Buhari’s Body Returns Home
In a moment steeped in solemnity and national reflection, Nigeria has begun the official process of mourning one of its most consequential leaders. Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in London early Monday morning on a direct assignment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. This mission, simple in description but heavy in symbolism, underscores the gravity of the nation’s loss and the deep respect accorded to a man who led Nigeria both as a military ruler and a democratically elected president.
Buhari, who passed away in London at approximately 4:30 pm on Sunday, July 7, at the age of 82, leaves behind a legacy that is bound to spark debate, evoke emotion, and provoke contemplation for years to come. In response to this national tragedy, President Tinubu wasted no time in delegating his Vice President and Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to fly to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
The Vice President was received in London by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum. The presence of such high-ranking figures reflected not only Buhari’s stature in Nigeria’s political history but also the level of seriousness and state dignity Tinubu has attached to his predecessor’s final rites.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, made the official announcement of Shettima’s arrival in London via a statement on Monday morning, confirming the coordination of this crucial transition.
A President Passes
The news of Muhammadu Buhari’s passing sent shockwaves across Nigeria and beyond. Though the former president had been battling health issues for several years—often receiving treatment abroad—his death still marked the end of an era. President Tinubu, in an official statement released shortly after Buhari’s demise, expressed profound sadness over the loss, describing Buhari as a “patriot, soldier, and statesman” whose life was “dedicated to the service of the nation.”
Flags across Nigeria have since been ordered to fly at half-staff, symbolizing a nation in mourning. The Federal Government has declared three days of national mourning and asked all ministries, departments, and agencies to suspend non-essential public functions during this period. In many state capitals, impromptu prayer gatherings and memorials have been held, reflecting the deep emotional impact Buhari’s passing has had on citizens from all walks of life.
The Journey Back Home
The task handed to Vice President Shettima and Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila carries both practical and symbolic weight. Accompanying Buhari’s body from London back to Nigeria is not merely a matter of logistics—it is a ritual of statecraft, symbolizing continuity, honor, and closure. It represents a formal and respectful transition from life to legacy for one of the country’s most influential figures.
The body is expected to be flown into Abuja before proceeding to Daura, Buhari’s hometown in Katsina State, where he will be buried according to Islamic rites. The schedule for the funeral has been carefully planned in accordance with Muslim traditions, which emphasize swift burial, typically within 24 hours of death. A short but dignified state ceremony will precede the journey to Daura, where thousands of mourners are expected to pay their last respects.
In Daura, preparations are already underway. Streets have been swept, flags hung, and local leaders are coordinating with federal security agencies to manage the expected influx of mourners, dignitaries, and traditional rulers.
Buhari: The Soldier and the Statesman
Born on December 17, 1942, Muhammadu Buhari was no stranger to Nigeria’s political landscape. His journey through public service was marked by a dual legacy—first as a stern military ruler from 1984 to 1985, and later as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023. His life was defined by discipline, austerity, and a persistent belief in the possibility of national transformation through integrity and structure.
As a military leader, Buhari was known for his War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign, which earned both applause and criticism. His approach to governance was no-nonsense, and his administration made several bold moves to combat corruption, although many viewed it as excessively harsh. Over the years, this period of his leadership remained controversial, yet undeniably impactful.
Three decades later, Buhari returned to the national stage, this time as a democratically elected president. After three failed attempts, he was elected in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan in a historic election. His victory was hailed as a turning point for Nigeria’s democracy, symbolizing the power of the ballot and the maturity of the electorate.
Buhari’s presidency spanned two terms, concluding in 2023. His tenure was marked by sweeping efforts to combat corruption, tackle terrorism, and invest in infrastructure. Yet, he also faced criticisms over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and perceived silence in the face of national crises. Regardless of opinion, his leadership shaped the direction of modern Nigeria and left an imprint that will be debated by historians for generations.
Tinubu’s Swift Response
President Bola Tinubu’s immediate and personal engagement in managing Buhari’s death has drawn praise from political observers and citizens alike. Within hours of the announcement, Tinubu released a heartfelt tribute and directed all necessary steps for national mourning, diplomatic coordination, and the safe return of Buhari’s remains.
Analysts believe Tinubu’s decision to send Shettima and Gbajabiamila—two of the most senior figures in his administration—to London was not only an act of respect but also a strategic gesture of unity. By involving prominent leaders, Tinubu has ensured that Buhari’s death is treated not just as the passing of a former president, but as the departure of a national figure whose influence cut across generations and political affiliations.
Moreover, this move reflects Tinubu’s awareness of the emotional significance Buhari held, especially for Northern Nigeria and the broader Muslim community. By engaging key northern leaders like Zulum and Tuggar in the process, Tinubu is reinforcing national cohesion at a moment of potential division.
National Reactions and Public Sentiment
Across the country, tributes continue to pour in. From Kano to Lagos, and Maiduguri to Port Harcourt, politicians, traditional rulers, clerics, and everyday Nigerians have expressed their condolences. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Buhari as “a resilient patriot whose life was committed to Nigeria’s progress,” while Peter Obi of the Labour Party noted that Buhari’s contributions—though controversial—formed part of the nation’s evolving democratic journey.
In Katsina, Buhari’s home state, thousands gathered for special prayers at mosques and community centers. Local radio stations played eulogies, while markets observed moments of silence. The Emir of Daura issued a statement describing Buhari as “a son of the soil whose name will forever be remembered.”
Even internationally, condolences have emerged. The African Union, ECOWAS, and several world leaders, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, have sent messages of sympathy and solidarity.
Looking Ahead: Buhari’s Legacy
With Buhari’s burial set to take place in Daura later today, attention will increasingly shift toward assessing the true scope of his legacy. Already, political commentators and analysts are dissecting his eight years in office and the earlier military period of his rule. While some hail his war against graft and infrastructural drive, others point to missed economic opportunities and inadequate handling of national unity.
Nonetheless, Buhari’s death offers Nigeria a rare opportunity for collective reflection. In a country often fragmented along religious, ethnic, and political lines, the mourning of a former leader can become a unifying moment—one that prompts dialogue about the values, failures, and aspirations that shape the nation.
It is also a moment for Tinubu’s administration to show maturity and empathy. How the government manages Buhari’s burial and legacy in the coming days may influence public perception of its own direction and leadership style.
Final Moments of a Long Journey
As former President Muhammadu Buhari begins his final journey home, the nation of Nigeria pauses in deep reflection. His body, draped in the national flag, is being transported with full state honors and accompanied by top government officials. He will be laid to rest in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites and long-standing cultural traditions. But beyond the rituals and protocols lies the story of a man who led Nigeria through two defining chapters of its history.
From his time as a military head of state in the 1980s to his eight-year tenure as a democratically elected president, Buhari’s leadership left a complex legacy. For some, he was a symbol of discipline and anti-corruption; for others, his rule was marked by silence in the face of national unrest. Regardless of perspective, his death closes a significant era in Nigerian politics.
In Daura, preparations have been made for prayers, tributes, and a respectful farewell. Flags across the nation fly at half-staff, and across radio waves and newspaper columns, Nigerians from all walks of life are sharing stories, memories, and opinions of the man who once held the highest office in the land.
As one elder from Katsina expressed, “Buhari was more than a leader; he was a part of our national identity. Now, we honor him.”
With solemn hearts, Nigeria bids farewell—not just to a man, but to a legacy filled with decisions, convictions, and lessons that will shape the country’s path forward.