Former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the death of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, emphasizing the challenges faced by his administration due to the shortcomings of officials who served under him.
Speaking from London, where Buhari passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness, Abdulsalami highlighted the late president’s commitment to integrity and his fight against corruption.
Abdulsalami, who has known Buhari since their military days in the early 1960s, described him as a sincere and trustworthy leader. “My relationship with General Buhari dates back to 1962,” he shared. “We joined the military at the same time, and served together during the civil war.” He noted that Buhari’s principled nature made him an incorruptible figure in Nigerian history.
Reflecting on the impact of Buhari’s governance, Abdulsalami recalled how the late president initiated the War Against Indiscipline to restore societal order, stating, “Nigerians were more respectful, and society was more orderly under that regime.” He acknowledged that upon Buhari’s return to power in 2015 as a democratically elected leader, he continued his efforts to combat corruption but was ultimately let down by many of his appointees. “Unfortunately, most of the officers who served with him fell short of his expectations,” Abdulsalami remarked.
The loss of Buhari is felt deeply across Nigeria, with Abdulsalami stating that it represents a significant blow to the nation. He noted that President Tinubu’s decision to have the Vice President accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria underscores the magnitude of the loss. “We have lost a patriot who tried to make Nigeria better,” he said.
As national flags fly at half-mast, arrangements for Buhari’s burial are set to be announced by the federal government in conjunction with his family.
Abdulsalami concluded his tribute by affirming that Buhari’s legacy will endure, driven by his unwavering dedication to duty and loyalty, as well as his desire to instill essential national values. “His death is not just a loss to his family, but to the entire nation,” he emphasized, urging the country to remember the principles for which Buhari stood.