Olayiwola Matthew
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has revealed that he was admitted to the same London hospital as the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82 following a prolonged illness.
Reports had surfaced days earlier suggesting both Abubakar and Buhari were undergoing treatment for age-related ailments. Abubakar, who is 83, confirmed he was discharged shortly before Buhari’s passing.
“Unfortunately, we were in the hospital together, but I have been discharged,” Abubakar told Channels Television.
“When I heard the news of his passing away, I quickly went there to condole with the family and see what can be done in order to get the corpse ready to be taken home,” he said.
Reflecting on their relationship, he said, “My relationship with Buhari goes as far back as 1962. We joined the military; he was my senior. During the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector. Gen. Buhari is a gentleman—very quiet but exceptionally honest. You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you.”
Abubakar praised Buhari’s anti-corruption legacy, especially during his military regime, noting his introduction of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) programme.
“When he became a democratic president, again he tried his best to make sure that he fights corruption. Unfortunately, some of the officers who served with him are found wanting. They didn’t do as much as is expected of them. May he rest in peace.
“His death has been a big blow to Nigeria. Our president, Tinubu, has asked the vice president to come so that he can escort the body,” he said.
The former leader also noted the political implications of Buhari’s death.
“With the passing away of President Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change—I hope for the better,” Abubakar added.
Abubakar served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1998 to 1999 following the death of General Sani Abacha and oversaw the country’s return to democratic rule.
Buhari will be buried on Tuesday, July 15, in Daura, Katsina State.