Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had instructed him to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari in London during his final days, showing Tinubu’s deep concern and respect for the late Nigerian leader.
Shettima made this known on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after participating in a special prayer session held at Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, for the repose of his soul.
“President Tinubu Was Personally Pained by the Loss”
Speaking to reporters, Shettima stated:
“The president was personally pained by the loss. He sent me to London earlier on to go and visit the late president. I was there for two days. When he answered the call of Allah, the president directed me and the Chief of Staff to accompany the family and the body back home.”
The vice president added that the decision to hold final prayers on Thursday was reached in consultation with Tinubu, the Buhari family, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda.
A National and Continental Loss
Shettima described Buhari’s death as not only a personal loss to the people of Daura and Katsina, but a monumental blow to Nigeria and the African continent.
“Every soul shall taste death. We are all travelers waiting for the final train. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and protect his family.”
He also encouraged Nigerians from all backgrounds to visit Daura and extend their condolences.
Radda: Buhari Lived and Died for the People
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda described the late president as a symbol of honesty and transparency in public service.
“He lived and died for the people. His legacy of integrity and accountability must be sustained by current and future leaders.”
Radda expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima for honoring the state and the late president’s memory with their presence.
Tributes from Ministers and Dignitaries
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised Buhari’s legacy, recalling the large turnout at his burial and the nationwide mourning.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, who served under Buhari, commended his anti-corruption drive and economic efforts, saying:
“We pray Allah grants him eternal peace. He was a leader of integrity.”
Other dignitaries at the prayer session included:
-
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar
-
Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and 2023 presidential candidate
-
Amb. Babagana Kingibe,
-
Mamman Daura,
-
Senator Abubakar Bagudu,
-
Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs
-
Dr Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State
-
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai
-
Senator Hadi Sirika, former Aviation Minister
-
Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of Justice
-
Prince Shaibu Abubakar, Minister of Mines and Steel
-
Amb. Rufai Ahmed, former DG, National Intelligence Agency
