Former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has revealed that he was receiving medical treatment at the same London hospital as the late President Muhammadu Buhari before the former Nigerian leader passed away on Sunday.

 

The disclosure was made during an interview with Channels Television, as reported by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG). Abubakar stated that he and Buhari were both patients at the clinic in the United Kingdom, but Buhari died shortly after he was discharged.

 

“Unfortunately, we were in the hospital together, but I have been discharged. 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,” the retired general said.

 

Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Abubakar recalled that he and Buhari first met in 1962 when they joined the Nigerian military. He described the late president as a man of quiet disposition, deep integrity, and unshakable loyalty.

 

“He was my senior. During the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector. Gen. Buhari is a gentleman who is very quiet but exceptionally honest. You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you,” he said.

 

Abubakar also praised Buhari’s anti-corruption stance, referencing his efforts during both his military rule and his time as a democratically elected president.

 

“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,” he added.

 

Describing Buhari’s death as a “big blow to Nigeria,” the former head of state noted that President Bola Tinubu had sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to help coordinate the return of Buhari’s body to Nigeria.

 

“With the passing away of President Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change—I hope for the better,” Abubakar concluded.