Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally directed him to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari on his sickbed in London before his passing.
Speaking on Wednesday after a prayer session held at Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, Shettima said the loss of the former president was deeply felt by Tinubu, describing it as a monumental tragedy not just for the people of Katsina State but for Nigeria and the African continent at large.
“The president was personally pained by the loss. He sent me to London earlier on to go and visit the late President. I was there for two days,” Shettima said.
He further disclosed that upon Buhari’s demise, Tinubu also instructed him and the Chief of Staff to accompany the former president’s remains back to Nigeria.
“Based on consultation with Tinubu, the family of the late president Buhari and the Government of Katsina State, it was unanimously resolved that tomorrow (Thursday) by God’s grace, by noon, we shall all gather here to offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of the late president,” Shettima added.
The vice president emphasized the transience of life, stating: “Every soul shall test the torment of death… We should all consider ourselves as travellers with our bag and baggage waiting for the train.”
He prayed to Allah to grant Buhari eternal rest, reward him with Aljannah Firdaus, and protect his family.
According to Shettima, Nigerians from all parts of the country are free to come to Daura to pay their respects. He also noted that Governor Dikko Radda and members of the late president’s family would remain in the state for one week to receive condolences.
“But the formal ceremony will come to an end tomorrow based on consultation between Tinubu, the family of the late president and the Governor of Katsina State,” he stated.
Governor Radda described Buhari’s death as a huge loss to Katsina, Nigeria, and the African continent. He called on leaders to uphold the late president’s values of transparency, honesty, and accountability.
“Buhari lived and died for the people,” Radda said, while urging continuous prayers for the repose of his soul. He thanked both Tinubu and Shettima for personally attending the funeral rites and honoring Buhari and the people of Katsina State.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised Buhari’s virtues, noting that the late leader was buried in his Daura compound on Tuesday in the presence of dignitaries, including President Tinubu.
“Today, we have come to offer condolences and to also offer prayers for the repose of the soul of the former President,” he said.
Also paying tribute was Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, who served in Buhari’s cabinet. He described Buhari as a man of integrity and purpose.
“The late former president Buhari tried his best to fight corruption at all levels of government. He also tried his best to improve the quality of the Nigerian economy,” Dingyadi said. “We thank Allah for providing us with a leader of that quality… We pray to Allah to grant him Aljannah.”
The solemn event drew an array of dignitaries from across Nigeria, including Alhaji Mamman Daura; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar.
Other attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, former NIA Director-General Rufai Ahmed, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among others.
