Retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar has described the late President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of unwavering integrity, saying he was someone you could entrust with anything and never fear betrayal.
He made this known during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, the 14th of July, 2025, just a day after Buhari’s death in a London hospital.
Reflecting on his relationship with Buhari, Abdulsalami said their bond spanned decades.
He recalled their early military days and shared moments from Nigeria’s civil war, where they served side by side.
“Unfortunately we were in the same 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.
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“My relationship with him went as far back as 1962 when we joined the military. He was my senior and during the unfortunate civil war, we were fighting in the same camp. I was with him. He was a gentleman who was very quiet but exceptionally honest. You can trust Buhari with everything and he will not betray you.”
Abdulsalami praised Buhari’s commitment to discipline and anti-corruption efforts both during his military leadership and later as a democratically elected president.
“During his tenure as a military officer, he tried to fight corruption and also he established the War Against Indiscipline in order for Nigeria to behave the way the civilised world behaves. And Nigeria was cleaner and more respectful but unfortunately we lost those values he tried to inculcate in Nigeria. When he became the democratic president, again, he tried his best to make sure he fights corruption. Unfortunately, most of the officers who served with him are found wanting. They did not do what was expected of them. His death has been a big blow to Nigeria,” the retired Army General said.
Abdulsalami’s comments paint a picture of a leader driven by principle, yet often let down by those around him.