The former Military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar has recalled final moments with former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Abdulsalami revealed that he was admitted in the same hospital with Buhari in London before his death.
JomogNews reports Buhari passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.
Buhari is scheduled for burial on Tuesday, July 15, in Daura, Katsina State.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Abdulsalami said he had just been discharged when he received the news of Buhari’s demise.
He said Buhari’s death is a “big blow” to Nigeria and the sub-region.
Abdulsalami affirmed that Buhari can be trusted with anything without fear of betrayal.
He said: “Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I have been discharged
“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.”
Reflecting on their decades-long relationship, Abdulsalami said his bond with Buhari dated back to 1962 when they both joined the Nigerian military.
“He was my senior; and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector with him,” Abdulsalami said.
He described the late president as “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 added.
Abdulsalami also praised Buhari’s anti-corruption stance during both his military and civilian tenures, highlighting the late president’s introduction of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign in the 1980s.
On Buhari’s record in office, Abdulsalami commended his anti-corruption stance but acknowledged that some officials in his administration fell short of expectations.
“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
“With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better,” he added.
Buhari’s life, Abdulsalami said, was defined by duty, loyalty, and a desire to instill national values and qualities Nigeria must not forget.
“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.”
