Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), has revealed that he was hospitalised in the same medical facility in London alongside late former President Muhammadu Buhari before the elder statesman passed on.
Abdulsalami, who shared the emotional account during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, said he had just been discharged when news of Buhari’s death broke.
“Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I have been discharged,” the retired general said.
“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.”
Buhari died on Sunday at the age of 82, after battling an undisclosed illness. His passing has since triggered tributes across political and diplomatic circles in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking on their long-standing relationship, Abdulsalami said his ties with the former Nigerian leader dated back to 1962 when they both joined the Nigerian Army.
“He was my senior; and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector,” he recalled.
Describing Buhari’s character, Abdulsalami said the late president was “a gentleman who was very quiet and exceptionally honest.”
“You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you,” he stressed.
Abdulsalami acknowledged Buhari’s strong anti-corruption stance during his time in office, although he admitted that some officials under his administration failed to uphold the same standards.
“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 noted.
Reacting to the national and regional impact of Buhari’s demise, the former military leader said the development was a “big blow” not only to Nigeria but to the West African sub-region.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s response to the loss, particularly his directive to Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to coordinate arrangements for Buhari’s return to Nigeria.
“That alone shows the magnitude of what has befallen Nigeria,” Abdulsalami said.
He concluded with a note of optimism, saying, “With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better.”
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Buhari’s remains are expected back in Nigeria this week, with dignitaries already converging to pay their last respects.
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