Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting in Abuja
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-
President Bola Tinubu has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee to manage the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, ensuring a dignified farewell.
Tinubu has also instructed the Ministry of Interior to declare Tuesday a public holiday in honor of the late leader, according to Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, during a Monday briefing in Abuja.
“The Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting, originally set for Tuesday, has been postponed to Friday,” Idris announced.
He noted that the committee, chaired by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will collaborate with the Katsina State Government and Buhari’s family.
The committee comprises key figures, including the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Information and National Orientation, Works, Interior, Housing and Urban Development, Federal Capital Territory, Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. It also includes the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Chief of Defence Staff, and senior presidential aides. The General Services Office’s Permanent Secretary will serve as the committee’s secretariat.
Idris revealed that 25 FEC members have been directed to attend the burial rites in Katsina and remain for the Third-Day Prayers in Daura on Wednesday.
“As we prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, the federal government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and reflection for the repose of the soul of our former leader,” he urged.
The minister highlighted that a seven-day national mourning period, starting Sunday, includes flying the national flag at half-mast nationwide.
“All state governments and the private sector are hereby directed to comply accordingly,” Idris stated.
A high-level delegation, led by Vice-President Sen. Kashim Shettima, is currently in London finalizing arrangements for the repatriation of Buhari’s remains, expected to arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday.
“Upon arrival, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport,” Idris added, noting that Tinubu will personally receive the remains.
The body will then proceed to Daura for the Jana’iza prayer and interment at Buhari’s residence.
Condolence registers will be opened across federal ministries, departments, agencies, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, and Nigerian Embassies abroad.
“Tinubu will continue to receive messages of sympathy from Heads of State and Governments around the world, reflecting the global stature and legacy of the late president Buhari,” Idris concluded.
