A former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, has described the late Nigerian leader as a “rare and incorruptible statesman” who lived with “remarkable simplicity” throughout his time in public life.

Naijaonpoint reports that Shehu made this known during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday while reflecting on his final meeting with Buhari in London before his death on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

According to Shehu, Buhari maintained his lifelong dedication to public service and integrity until his last days.

Shehu said, “My last conversation with him was in London when I took a printed copy of the book that we launched. He was aware I was writing the book and had seen the prototype in Kaduna before he travelled. He wanted to keep it, but I told him I would bring the final copy.”

He noted that Buhari had initially promised to attend the book’s launch but was unable to do so due to his deteriorating health.

Describing Buhari’s character, Shehu said the former president was deeply averse to anything associated with corruption or material excess.

“He was incorruptible. Anything that had the smell of corruption, he detested. He led a simple life. When you dined with him, the meals were the kind that ordinary people in society would eat,” Shehu said.

The former presidential aide added that Buhari was not drawn to wealth or flamboyance.

“He wasn’t interested in building homes. He kept the same house he had after leaving the military until the government, in line with tradition, rebuilt his home in Kaduna. Even then, he retained the same furniture and television. On one occasion, when an aide replaced his small TV with a bigger screen, he queried the decision,” he recounted.

Shehu also praised Buhari’s intellect and humility, describing every interaction with him as a learning experience.

“Every interaction with him was like going to school to learn something new from someone endowed with superior wisdom. His simplicity is something you cannot beat,” he said.

Speaking further on Buhari’s final days, Shehu noted that reports from London had initially suggested the former leader was making a recovery before the sudden turn that led to his death.

“The information we kept getting from London was that the worst was behind President Buhari and he was in a recovery mode, getting better. For us to be hit by this sad news is really devastating,” he said.