Former navy head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar has praised the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari as a person who could possibly be trusted fully with out concern of betrayal.
Abubakar made this assertion on Monday throughout an interview with Channels Tv, at some point after the previous Nigerian chief died in a London hospital.
The retired Military Normal revealed that he had been in the identical London hospital as Buhari earlier than the previous president’s dying. He described their relationship as cordial, calling Buhari mild however exceptionally sincere.
“Sadly, we had been in the identical hospital collectively, however I’ve been discharged. After I heard the information of his passing away, I shortly went there to condole with the household and see what might be accomplished so as to get the corpse able to be taken house,” Abubakar stated.
Their friendship stretched again over 60 years to once they each joined the Nigerian navy as younger males in 1962. They served collectively throughout Nigeria’s civil warfare from 1967 to 1970, combating in the identical camp.
“My relationship with him went way back to 1962 after we joined the navy. He was my senior, and throughout the unlucky civil warfare, we had been combating in the identical camp. I used to be with him. He was a gentleman who was very quiet however exceptionally sincere. You may belief Buhari with every part and he is not going to betray you,” he stated.
Learn Additionally: Muhammadu Buhari: A life of power, principle, and paradox (1942–2025)
Abubakar praised Buhari’s efforts to struggle corruption and enhance Nigerian society throughout each his navy management within the Eighties and his civilian presidency from 2015 to 2023. He recalled how Buhari launched the “Warfare Towards Indiscipline” marketing campaign throughout his time as navy chief, aimed toward bettering Nigerian behaviour and values.
Nonetheless, he expressed disappointment that a few of Buhari’s associates throughout his civilian presidency didn’t dwell as much as the previous president’s excessive requirements.
“Throughout his tenure as a navy officer, he tried to struggle corruption and likewise he established the Warfare Towards Indiscipline to ensure that Nigeria to behave the way in which the civilised world behaves. And Nigeria was cleaner and extra respectful. However sadly, we misplaced these values he tried to inculcate in Nigeria. When he turned the democratic president, once more, he tried his finest to ensure he fights corruption. Sadly, a lot of the officers who served with him are discovered wanting. They didn’t do what was anticipated of them. His dying has been a giant blow to Nigeria,” the retired Military Normal stated.
