Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, has been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to head the burial committee on the late President Muhammadu Buhari who died on Sunday in a London hospital.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, is also among the nine-man burial committee charged with the responsibility of ensuring a dignified farewell for the late Head of State.
President Tinubu on Monday approved the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to manage the planning and organisation of a state burial for Buhari.
The committee, according to a statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, also includes some security chiefs.
Members of the committee include the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning; Defence; Information and National Orientation; Works; Interior; the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Housing and Urban Development; State Minister for Health and Social Welfare; and the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy.
“Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters; Inspector General of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services and Chief of Defence Staff,” the statement added.
Imohiosen explained that the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will function as the committee’s secretariat.
He also noted that President Tinubu has instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to set up condolence registers at the entrances of their offices to allow the public to pay tribute to the late president.
“In honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, President Tinubu has also directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to open condolence registers at the entrance of their respective offices for the public to pay their respects to the late elder statesman.
“Additionally, a central condolence register for the diplomatic community and the general public will be opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. Further briefings will follow as the days unfold,” the statement added.
