Buhari: Katsina Govt Announces Holiday Over Ex-President's Death Amid Tears in Nigeria
- The Katsina state government has declared a work-free day as a mark of respect for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London
- The government of Katsina state announced the holiday in a statement, Sunday evening, July 13
- Faskari said the holiday is intended to allow workers and residents of Katsina to participate in a period of mourning and prayer for the late leader
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Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance.
Katsina, Katsina state - The Katsina state government has declared a holiday to honour the late Muhammadu Buhari.
Legit.ng had reported how Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 while receiving treatment at a hospital in London, United Kingdom (UK).
Source: Facebook
According to a statement late Sunday night, July 13, shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) page of Dikko Umaru Radda, the governor of Katsina state, today, Monday, July 14, will be a work-free day.
"To commemorate the demise of Nigeria's former President, Muhammadu Buhari, I have declared Monday, 14th July 2025 as a work-free day in the State. May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant mercy to his gentle soul, forgive his shortcomings, and reward his good deeds with paradise."
Shettima, Gbajabiamila arrive in London
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the chief of staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, have arrived in London, the United Kingdom, to receive Buhari's body.
The vice president and the chief of staff led the Nigerian delegation to London early Monday, July 14.
Source: Twitter
The Nigerian delegation to the United Kingdom was received by the minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum; among others.
President Bola Tinubu had on Sunday, July 13, directed Shettima and Gbajabiamila to lead the Nigerian delegation to receive the body of his predecessor for burial in Nigeria.
Muhammadu Buhari's profile
Late Buhari was born under British colonial rule on December 17, 1942.
His election victory in 2015 in a country where re-election for the incumbent had been taken for granted was seen as a rare opportunity for Nigeria to change course.
Many of those who supported him thought his military background and disciplinarian credentials were what the country needed to get to grips with the insurgency in the north. Buhari also promised to tackle corruption and nepotism in government and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians. But his time in office coincided with a slump in global oil prices and one of the country's worst economic crises in decades.
Journalist slams comments mocking Buhari’s death
On some people celebrating Buhari's death, a Nigerian journalist, Femi Fabunmi, told Legit.ng that rejoicing over the ex-president's demise reflects a deeper moral crisis in society.
According to him, the vituperations over Buhari's death are unnecessary.
He said:
"What's the essence of castigating a dead man? I'm not a party to beating a dead horse. It doesn't make sense."
Fabunmi continued:
"Talking about legacy, wicked people don't give a hoot about legacies; they believe death ends it all.
"I will never castigate anyone dead irrespective of attitude while alive because it's of no importance to me or anyone, and it also doesn't serve as a lesson to others.
"Let us also remember that death is a leveller. Whether good or bad, it is a debt everybody owes."
Read more on Muhammadu Buhari:
- El-Rufai reacts to mentor Buhari’s death, recounts former president’s virtues
- Buhari’s death: Portable mourns ex-President, shares his wishes, “na him order tollgate shooting
- Awujale of Ijebuland dies hours after the passing of his longtime friend, Buhari
Buhari's burial
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Buhari would be buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina state.
According to TVC News, Buhari will be laid to rest tomorrow, Monday, July 14, in Daura.
Source: Legit.ng
