The special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session earlier scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has been postponed, the State House announced on Monday.

The postponement is in deference to the state funeral scheduled to take place in Daura, Katsina State — Buhari’s hometown — where the late president will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, noted that a new date for the special FEC session will be announced by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) after the funeral proceedings.

The federal government has also declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the late Nigerian leader.

President Bola Tinubu, who had earlier declared a seven-day national mourning with flags flying at half-staff, called for the FEC session to celebrate the life and legacy of his predecessor, describing Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria as significant and enduring.

Buhari’s remains are expected to arrive from London by noon on Tuesday. He died on Sunday in a London clinic after a prolonged illness.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila were dispatched to London by President Tinubu to condole with the bereaved family and accompany the late president’s body back to Nigeria.