“We were together on Saturday talking and laughing. Buhari was in high spirits in the London Clinic,” Daura said.
Fresh details have emerged about the final hours of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died Sunday in a London hospital at 82.
Mamman Daura, Buhari’s close nephew and confidant, told THISDAY that the late president was cheerful and optimistic on Saturday, with plans underway for his discharge later in the week.
“We were together on Saturday talking and laughing. Buhari was in high spirits in the London Clinic,” Daura said. “He even had plans to depart for Nigeria upon discharge and made sure arrangements were made to sort out hotel bills of everyone who was in London on his behalf.”
Daura explained he left Buhari around 9 pm on Saturday, promising to return the next day. But on Sunday morning, Buhari developed breathing difficulties during breakfast. Doctors intervened but he passed away at about 4:30 pm.
Meanwhile, former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, revealed he was in the same London hospital before Buhari died.
“Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I had been discharged. So, when I heard the news of his passing away, I quickly went there to condole with the family and see what could be done in order to get the corpse ready to be taken home,” Abdulsalami told national television.
He described Buhari as “a gentleman who was very quiet and exceptionally honest.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s anti-corruption legacy, Abdulsalami acknowledged, “Unfortunately, some of the officials who served with him were found wanting.”
Calling Buhari’s death “a big blow” to Nigeria, he added, “With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change—I hope for the better.”