President Bola Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Flying a flag at half-staff, or half-mast, is a symbolic gesture of mourning, respect, or distress, often following the death of a prominent figure or during national tragedies.

The flag is lowered to a position below the top of the flagpole, leaving space above it, which some believe represents an “invisible flag of death”.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) said: “President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.

“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

“Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023. He also 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.”