The North West Governors Forum has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday across all seven states in the region in honour of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital.

In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, the governors expressed profound grief over the passing of the elder statesman, describing him as “our father, our leader, and the pride of the Northwest region.”

Radda said, “The Northwest Governors Forum receives with shock and deep sorrow the news of the passing of our beloved former President, General Muhammadu Buhari. He lived a life of service, integrity, and sacrifice for the betterment of Nigeria.”

READ ALSO:‘We Were In The Same Hospital,’ Abdulsalami Recounts Buhari’s Final Moments

He added that the declaration of a public holiday was a unanimous decision by all Northwest governors as a mark of honour and respect for the late President.

Buhari’s remains are expected to arrive in Katsina, his home state, on Tuesday at around 12 noon, with burial rites scheduled for 2pm, according to Islamic rites.

“We call on all Nigerians to join us in prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Radda said.

The statement further extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the deceased, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians mourning the loss.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Is Dead

Buhari, a retired Army General, served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

Known for his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption stance, he was one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s post-independence history.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the country and beyond, arrangements for the state burial in Daura are underway, with dignitaries expected to attend from all parts of Nigeria and abroad.

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Monday stopped the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), from inaugurating the newly confirmed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission pending the court’s judgment on the substantive suit.

The presiding Judge, Justice Frank Onyiri, issued the order after the parties addressed and adopted their final written addresses on the suit.

The suit was filed by the chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission, initially appointed by the suspended Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, challenging their suspension by Ibas.

READ ALSO:Rivers Women Walk Out On Ibas’ Wife, Chant ‘We Want Fubara’

Onyiri, after ordering the parties to maintain the existing status quo, adjourned the matter till September 29, 2025, for judgment.

The claimants, Goodlife Ben, Amadi Echele, Chimenem Jerome, and three others, are challenging their removal and plans to replace them by the state sole administrator.

They contended that they were legally appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and that before they were issued letters of appointment by the suspended governor, the records of their confirmation were with the clerk of the House.

READ ALSO:Rivers LG Administrator Appointed By Ibas Resigns

According to their affidavit signed by Goodlife Ben, the claimants insist that the sole administrator lack the legal powers to suspend and replace them.

Recall that the State Sole Administrator had suspended some of the heads and boards of some agencies in the state, including the Rivers State Services Commission and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

A former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has revealed that he was admitted to the same hospital in London as former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former Nigerian leader died on Sunday at the age of 82.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Abdulsalami said he had only just been discharged from the hospital when he received the news of Buhari’s passing.

He said, “Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I have been discharged.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Is Dead

“So, when I heard the news of his passing away, I quickly went there to condole the family and see what could be done in order to get the corpse ready to be taken home.”

Reflecting on their relationship, Abdulsalami said his bond with Buhari dated back over six decades to their time in the Nigerian military.

“He was my senior, and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector with him,” he said.

He described the late President as “a gentleman who was very quiet and exceptionally honest.”

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“You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you,” Abdulsalami added.

On Buhari’s leadership, he commended his commitment to the anti-corruption fight but acknowledged that not all members of his administration lived up to expectations.

“When he became a democratic president, he tried his best to fight corruption. Unfortunately, some of the officers who served with him are found wanting. They didn’t do as much as was expected from them,” he said.

Abdulsalami noted that Buhari’s death is a major loss not only to Nigeria but to the entire West African region.

READ ALSO:Obidient Movement Most Toxic Political Group — Buhari’s Ex-aide

He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s swift response in dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to oversee the return of Buhari’s remains to Nigeria.

“That shows the magnitude of what has befallen Nigeria.

“With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better,” he said.