The Federal Government has postponed the special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session earlier scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the postponement is to allow for the state funeral of the former president, which will take place the same day in Daura, Katsina State.
Buhari died on Sunday in a London clinic after a prolonged illness. His remains are expected to arrive in Nigeria by noon on Tuesday and will be buried later in the day according to Islamic rites in his hometown.
In addition to the postponement, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday in honour of the late Nigerian leader. The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will announce a new date for the special FEC session after the funeral.
President Bola Tinubu had called for the session to pay tribute to Buhari’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s development and unity. In further tribute, Tinubu directed national flags to fly at half-staff for seven days in observance of a period of national mourning.
The president also dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to London to condole with the Buhari family and accompany the remains back to Nigeria.