President MUHAMMADU BUHARI has directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast, effective from the today to 14th of January, 2022, as a mark of respect for the former Head of State ERNEST SHONEKAN, who died yesterday.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, BOSS MUSTAPHA.

ERNEST SHONEKAN, who headed the Interim National Government that succeeded the military regime of General IBRAHIM BABANGIDA, died at the age of 85.

He was the interim head of the Nigerian Government between August 26, 1993, and November 17, 1993, but was ousted in a coup led by late General SANI ABACHA.