VP Kashim Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that President Bola Tinubu personally instructed him to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari during his final days in a London hospital, reflecting Tinubu’s deep concern for his predecessor.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after a prayer session for Buhari’s soul at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, Shettima shared, “The president was personally pained by the loss. He sent me to London to visit the late president, and I was there for two days.”
Shettima described Buhari’s passing as a profound loss, stating, “This is not just a loss to Buhari’s family, Daura, or Katsina, but a major tragedy for Nigeria and the African continent.”
He noted that condolences had poured in from across the globe to Tinubu for the loss of “our elder statesman.”
Reflecting on mortality, he added, “We are all travelers awaiting our train, as death is an inevitable destiny.”
Shettima further disclosed that Tinubu directed him and the Chief of Staff to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria after his death on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 4:30 pm in a London clinic.
“Following consultations with Tinubu, the Buhari family, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, we’ve scheduled a final prayer session for tomorrow at noon,” he said, inviting Nigerians to honor Buhari’s memory.
Governor Radda echoed the sentiment, calling Buhari’s death “a great loss to Katsina, Nigeria, and Africa.”
He urged leaders to uphold Buhari’s legacy of transparency and accountability, saying, “Buhari lived and died for the people.” Radda expressed gratitude to Tinubu and Shettima for their presence during the burial.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised Buhari’s virtues, stating, “We are here to pray for the soul of our former leader. His burial yesterday was attended by countless Nigerians, including President Tinubu, reflecting his impact.”
Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, who served in Buhari’s cabinet, added, “Buhari fought corruption tirelessly and worked to strengthen Nigeria’s economy. We pray Allah grants him Aljannah Firdaus.”
The event saw dignitaries like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and former Kaduna Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, among others, gather to pay respects. Shettima noted that Governor Radda and Buhari’s family would remain in Daura for a week to receive condolences, though formal ceremonies would conclude on Thursday.
NAN
