Buhari: Tinubu summons emergency FEC meeting as family announces burial plan

President Bola Tinubu has summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a UK hospital on Sunday.

Tinubu disclosed this in a tribute he personally signed on Sunday evening, shortly after news of Buhari’s passing broke.

The President confirmed that Buhari would be accorded full state honours.

“As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today,” Tinubu wrote.

He added, “I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.”

The President said the late Buhari’s passing filled him with “profound sorrow and a heavy heart,” adding that Nigeria has lost “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.”

“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures.

“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” Tinubu wrote.

The President described Buhari as a man who “stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”

He praised Buhari’s efforts in confronting corruption and instilling discipline in public service.

“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn,” said Tinubu.

In his tribute, Tinubu extended condolences to the late President’s wife, Aisha Buhari, their children, and the broader Buhari family.

He also acknowledged the people and traditional leadership of Daura, the late leader’s hometown in Katsina State.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.

“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate,” he stated.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would organise a funeral that reflects Buhari’s “towering contributions to our country,” and prayed for Allah to grant him eternal peace.

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness,” Tinubu wrote.

Meanwhile, Buhari will be buried in Daura, Katsina State on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites.

The late former President’s media aide, Garba Shehu, disclosed this after announcing his death on Sunday at about 4:30pm in London during an illness.

Recall that Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Buhari was Nigeria’s President between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2023.

He was also a former military ruler of the country.