Tinubu Heads Delegation to Buhari’s Burial, Receives Late President’s Remains in Katsina
The nation stands still today as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leads a solemn federal delegation to Katsina for the final rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
Arise Television’s Morning Show devoted its entire early broadcast to covering the unfolding events surrounding the burial, highlighting the symbolism of national unity and state honor.
According to Arise correspondents reporting live from Katsina and Abuja, President Tinubu will personally receive the remains of the late president at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport by noon today, where a brief military ceremony will take place before the body is conveyed to Daura for Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) and burial at Buhari’s residence.
In line with Islamic rites and tradition, the federal government has acted swiftly to coordinate a befitting state funeral. Anchors on the Arise Morning Show emphasized that Tinubu’s leadership at this moment not only reflects deep respect for his predecessor but also serves as a strong message of continuity, reverence, and national solidarity.
During the broadcast, Arise anchor Reuben Abati underscored the details of a high-level inter-ministerial committee set up by President Tinubu and chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The committee, composed of ministers from key portfolios including Defence, Interior, Finance, Information, and National Orientation, among others, is coordinating all elements of the state burial in partnership with the Katsina State Government and Buhari’s family.
Analysts on the show, including Rufai Oseni and Tundun Abiola, discussed the directive by Tinubu that condolence registers be opened across all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as at Nigerian embassies and high commissions around the world.
A central register for dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps has also been set up at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
As reported on the Morning Show, President Tinubu has dispatched 25 Federal Executive Council (FEC) members to Katsina to attend both today’s burial and the third-day Islamic prayers scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, in Daura.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this during a media briefing, also stating that the originally scheduled FEC meeting has been moved to Friday, July 18, out of respect for the mourning period.
Abati described this unprecedented move of having nearly half the cabinet on ground in Katsina as a rare and powerful demonstration of national solidarity and protocol. Tundun Abiola reflected on how this underscores Buhari’s continued relevance even in death, and the sheer magnitude of honor accorded to him by the Tinubu administration.
Meanwhile, Arise Morning Show correspondents in London reported that Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who has been in the UK since Monday, met with Buhari’s immediate family to condole with them and oversee documentation for the return of the remains.
Shettima was accompanied by prominent figures including Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State.
Footage aired on Arise showed Shettima’s courtesy visits to Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, who is hospitalized in London, and former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who is also recovering from illness. The visits were described by the panel as “deeply symbolic” and “a reflection of the gravity of the moment.”
A surprise moment highlighted by Arise was the visit by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo to Shettima’s London suite. According to reports, both leaders expressed admiration for Buhari’s discipline, spartan lifestyle, and steadfastness in public service. The Morning Show team noted the significance of these visits as a reflection of Buhari’s respect and connections across Africa’s political class.
The National Assembly has postponed all legislative sessions originally scheduled for this week to allow lawmakers attend Buhari’s burial. Arise aired a statement from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, encouraging members to adjust their schedules in honor of the late leader.
Also on the programme, the Southern Senators’ Forum—through its chairman, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru—praised Buhari as “a towering figure in Nigerian politics.” Arise’s political analyst, Dr. Rejoice Omodu, emphasized that while Buhari’s legacy remains debated, the bipartisan outpouring of respect proves his place in Nigerian history is secure.
As Nigeria observes day three of the seven-day national mourning period declared by Tinubu with flags flying at half-mast and Tuesday declared a public holiday the Arise Morning Show concluded its broadcast by calling for a moment of silence on air.
With Buhari’s burial expected to draw thousands to Daura, the state funeral is not only a farewell to a former leader but also a defining moment of national reflection. According to the Arise team, Buhari’s legacy marked by anti-corruption ideals, military discipline, and political resilience will continue to be studied, debated, and remembered for generations to come.
