• President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to travel to the United Kingdom to receive Buhari’s body and bring it back to Nigeria for burial.

• Tinubu also offered condolences directly to Aisha Buhari, the widow of the former president, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria; flags are to be flown at half‑staff nationally and at Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad as a mark of respect .

Roles of Shettima and Gbajabiamila

• Kashim Shettima has been serving as Nigeria’s vice president since May 29, 2023, after serving as senator and previously governor of Borno State.

• Femi Gbajabiamila, appointed Chief of Staff in June 2023, previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives (2019–2023) and has over 20 years of legislative experience.

What Happens Next?

Here are the immediate next steps and expectations:

1. Arrival in London: Shettima and Gbajabiamila are expected to make formal arrangements with UK authorities for the release of Buhari’s body.

2. Repatriation Process: They will coordinate funeral logistics, including repatriation flight, medical and mortuary protocols.

3. Return to Nigeria: On arrival, official ceremonies and protocols will precede final burial rites in Katsina.

4. Funeral Arrangements: Details such as dates, guest lists, and mourning period will be released in due course.

Significance of the Delegation

• This mission is both a symbolic and practical responsibility, representing the government at the highest level during this period of national mourning.

• It reflects Tinubu’s emphasis on respectful continuity and formal state conduct when handling the death of a significant past leader.

Summary Table

This mission underscores the state’s role in mourning a former head of state while observing diplomatic protocols abroad. I’ll keep monitoring for updates on funeral dates and official memorial details.