Tinubu mourns Buhari, orders national flags at half-staff for seven days

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing him as a patriot, soldier, and statesman whose legacy of service and sacrifice will endure in Nigeria’s history.

In an official statement released by the State House on Sunday, Tinubu confirmed that Buhari died earlier in the day at a hospital in the United Kingdom.

“President Buhari was, to the very core, a patriot,” Tinubu stated.

“He led Nigeria with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in the country’s potential.”

Buhari, a retired Major General, first led Nigeria as a military ruler between 1984 and 1985, before returning as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

Tinubu praised his predecessor’s dedication to public service, especially his anti-corruption campaign and commitment to national unity.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Aisha Buhari, his children, the Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him,” Tinubu said, adding a special message to the people of Katsina State and the Daura Emirate, Buhari’s hometown.

As part of national mourning, Tinubu has ordered that all national flags be flown at half-staff for seven days starting Sunday. He also announced an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) scheduled for Tuesday, which will be dedicated to honouring Buhari.

“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country,” Tinubu said.

Concluding the statement, the president prayed for Allah’s forgiveness on Buhari’s behalf and asked that his soul be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus.

The announcement marks the beginning of national mourning for the former leader whose influence shaped Nigeria’s political and governance landscape for decades.