Tinubu orders Shettima to accompany Buhari's dead body backhome - ITREALMS

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Shettima to accompany the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away today after a prolonged illness in the United Kingdom, back to Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

According to a press release by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and made avaialble to 
ITREALMS, President Tinubu also ordered all flags nationwide to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for his predecessor.

The President has extended his condolences to Mrs. Aishat Buhari over the phone.

Former President Buhari, who served as Nigeria's head of state under military rule from January 1984 to August 1985, was twice elected President in 2015 and 2019 under the All Progressive Congress (APC).

ITREALMS recalled that there was a purportedly African Union (AU) observation of a minute of silence for former President Muhammadu Buhari on February 23, 2017, based on the a claim found online, but there's no concrete evidence or reputable sources to confirm this.

However, ITREALMS gathered that Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria. He rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, becoming a Major General and serving as the country's military Head of State from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985. Buhari's early life and education laid the foundation for his future roles, with his military training and strategic studies shaping his approach to governance.

Buhari's presidency, which spanned from 2015 to 2023, was marked by significant efforts to combat corruption, improve infrastructure, and promote economic development. 

He reportedly strengthened the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and recovered looted funds, earning recognition for his anti-corruption stance. 

Additionally, his administration initiated various social programs, such as N-Power and TraderMoni, aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

Throughout his life, Buhari was known for his disciplined and austere lifestyle. 

He was married twice and had 10 children. His legacy is complex, with both supporters and critics acknowledging his commitment to anti-corruption and infrastructure development. 

However, his administration faced challenges such as economic hardship, insecurity, and human rights concerns.

Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting impact on Nigeria's political landscape. 

His life and times serve as a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the ongoing quest for progress and development in Nigeria.

Muhammadu Buhari served as Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources from 1976 to 1978 under General Olusegun Obasanjo's regime. 

During his tenure, he oversaw the establishment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and played a key role in initiating the Kaduna Refinery project.

There's a notable controversy surrounding his time as Petroleum Minister, where allegations emerged of $2.8 billion going missing from NNPC accounts in a Midlands Bank in the United Kingdom. General Ibrahim Babangida later accused Buhari of being responsible for this alleged fraud. 

The Crude Oil Sales Tribunal of Inquiry, headed by Justice Ayo Irikefe, ITREALMS further gathered, investigated these allegations and found no conclusive evidence of Buhari's direct involvement, although it did note some lapses in NNPC's accounting.

Some key points about Buhari's role as Petroleum Minister include the establishment of NNPC: Buhari played a crucial role in setting up the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; initiated the Kaduna Refinery Project, which began operations in 1980 and during his tenure, the government invested in pipelines and petroleum storage infrastructures, constructing about 21 petroleum storage depots across the country.

Gbemi Omotoso/Editor

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