President Bola Tinubu has directed that all national flags be flown at half-staff to honour the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari.
Flying a flag at half-staff is a symbolic gesture of mourning and respect, traditionally observed following the death of prominent national figures or during periods of national sorrow. The lowered flag signifies solemn remembrance and, in some interpretations, leaves space above for an “invisible flag of death.”
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu expressed his condolences to the former first lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari.
Read Also: 23 things to know about late former President Muhammadu Buhari
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow, and offered his deep condolences,” the statement read.
The President has also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.
Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London, was twice elected as Nigeria’s president, first in 2015 and again in 2019. He previously served as military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.
“President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader,” the statement added.
