Mamman Daura, a close confidant and nephew of the late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, has narrated how the ex-leader spent his final hours.
Buhari passed away in a London hospital on Sunday at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest today in Daura, Katsina state.
THISDAY quoted Daura as saying he was with Buhari on Saturday, and that arrangements were already being made for his discharge later in the week. However, the former President’s condition suddenly deteriorated around 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Daura said there had been no indication that Buhari’s health would take a critical turn.
He disclosed that arrangements were being made to settle hotel bills for those who had travelled to London to be with the former President, in anticipation of his return to Nigeria.
He recalled that Buhari was cheerful and in high spirits during their visit on Saturday. He noted that he left him (Buhari) around 9 p.m., hopeful of returning to see him again the next day.
“We were together on Saturday talking and laughing and Buhari was in high spirits in the London Clinic where he was admitted. We talked about everything. He even had the plan to depart for Nigeria upon his discharge this week and made sure that arrangements were made to sort out the hotel bills of everybody who was in London on his behalf before departing.
“I left him about 9pm on Saturday in high spirits and promised to see him on Sunday afternoon. He was looking forward to his doctor’s visit on Sunday morning… “However, on Sunday morning, Buhari’s condition deteriorated while he was taking breakfast. But around midday, he started having breathing challenges and doctors rushed to his side to try and manage it. But unfortunately, around 4.30 pm, he gave up the ghost,”.
Meanwhile, former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has confirmed that he was also admitted at the same hospital in London before Buhari’s demise.
Speaking in an interview with a national television station, Abdulsalami revealed he had just been discharged when he received news of Buhari’s passing.
“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,” he said.