FORMER HEAD OF STATE ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR MOURNS BUHARI
NEWS - Posted on: 15th Jul. 2025 at 7:30PM
Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has recounted his final moments with former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.
In an emotional tribute, Abdulsalami revealed that he and the late president were both receiving treatment at the same hospital in London before Buhari’s death. “Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I have been discharged,” he 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.”
The late President Buhari is scheduled to be buried on Tuesday, July 15, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Describing Buhari’s death as a “big blow” to Nigeria and the West African region, Abdulsalami paid glowing tribute to their long-standing relationship, which began in 1962 when both men joined the Nigerian military.
“He was my senior; and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector,” Abdulsalami recalled. “He was a gentleman — very quiet and exceptionally honest. You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you.”
Abdulsalami praised Buhari’s steadfastness and integrity, both during his time as military ruler in the 1980s and later as a democratically elected president. He specifically lauded Buhari’s anti-corruption efforts, including the introduction of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign during his military rule.
“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,” Abdulsalami noted.
The former head of state expressed hope that Buhari’s passing would mark a turning point in Nigerian politics. “With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better.”
Abdulsalami described Buhari as a man whose life was defined by duty, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to national values.
“Despite his quiet nature, he was strong in character and consistent in principle. We have lost a patriot who tried to make Nigeria better. His death is not just a loss to his family but to the entire nation,” he concluded.
Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has recounted his final moments with former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.In an emotional tribute, Abdulsalami revealed that he and the late president were both receiving treatment at the same hospital in London before Buhari’s death. “Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I have been discharged,” he 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.”
The late President Buhari is scheduled to be buried on Tuesday, July 15, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Describing Buhari’s death as a “big blow” to Nigeria and the West African region, Abdulsalami paid glowing tribute to their long-standing relationship, which began in 1962 when both men joined the Nigerian military.
“He was my senior; and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector,” Abdulsalami recalled. “He was a gentleman — very quiet and exceptionally honest. You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you.”
Abdulsalami praised Buhari’s steadfastness and integrity, both during his time as military ruler in the 1980s and later as a democratically elected president. He specifically lauded Buhari’s anti-corruption efforts, including the introduction of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign during his military rule.
“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,” Abdulsalami noted.
The former head of state expressed hope that Buhari’s passing would mark a turning point in Nigerian politics. “With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better.”
Abdulsalami described Buhari as a man whose life was defined by duty, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to national values.
“Despite his quiet nature, he was strong in character and consistent in principle. We have lost a patriot who tried to make Nigeria better. His death is not just a loss to his family but to the entire nation,” he concluded.
Posted by: Emdee David
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