- Safiu Kehinde
Former Nigerian Military Head of State, Abdusalami Abubakar, has disclosed being in the same hospital with late Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, before his demise.
NPO Reported that the immediate past President passed away at the age of 82 at a London hospital on Sunday after prolonged illness.
His demise had since attracted tonnes of tributes across the country and from world leaders.
Meanwhile, Abdusalami, in an interview with Channels TV, disclosed that Buhari passed away shortly after he was discharged from the same hospital the former President was admitted to.
The former military leader said he had to return to the hospital after receiving the news of Buhari.
“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 can be done in order to get the corpse ready to be taken home.” He said.
On his relationship with the late ex-Nigerian President, Abdusalami held that their relationship started back in 1962.
He recounted fighting the civil war with Buhari who was his senior.
Abdusalami described the him as an honest gentleman who can be trusted with anything.
“My relationship with Buhari went as far back as 1962. We joined the military and he was my senior. During the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same sector.
“Buhari is a gentleman who is very quiet but exceptionally honest. You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he won’t betray you.” He said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s tenure as the military head of state, Abdusalami lauded his fight against corruption and his introduction of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) which, according to him, made Nigeria cleaner and Nigerians more respectful.
However, Abdusalami admitted to the corrupt practices orchestrated by some members of Buhari’s cabinet during his tenure as a civilian President.
“During his tenure as the military officer, you have seen how he has tried to fight corruption and also established War against Indiscipline in order to make Nigerians behave the way civilised word behave.
“He introduced the War against Indiscipline and Nigeria was cleaner and more respectful during that tenure. Unfortunately we lost those values that he tried to inculcate in Nigerians.
“When he became the democratic President, he tried his best to make sure that he fights corruption.
“Unfortunately, some officers who served with him were found wanting. They didn’t do as much as expected of them. May his soul rest in peace.” Abdusalami said.