Buhari's Ministers, Officials Didn't Do Well In Office, Says Abdulsalami Abubakar

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, says that many officials who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari failed to meet the standards expected during the late president's administration, in spite of his commitment to discipline and the fight against corruption.

Jul 15, 2025 - 09:52

Buhari's Ministers, Officials Didn't Do Well In Office, Says Abdulsalami Abubakar

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, says that many officials who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari failed to meet the standards expected during the late president's administration, in spite of his commitment to discipline and the fight against corruption.
Abdulsalami, spoke in London following Buhari’s death at the age of 82 years, following a protracted illness, describing the late Buhari as a sincere and trustworthy man whose legacy would remain indelible in Nigeria’s history.

Abdulsalami, who led Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, traced his relationship with Buhari back to the early 1960s.
His words, “We were in the same hospital. Unfortunately, I had just been discharged when I heard the news of his death. I quickly returned to see the family and support efforts to prepare his body for the journey home...

“My relationship with General Buhari dates as far back as 1962. We joined the military at the same time, and he was my senior. During the civil war, we served in the same sector.

“You could trust Buhari with anything on this earth, and he would not betray you.

“As a military ruler, he introduced the War Against Indiscipline to restore order. Nigerians were more respectful and society was more orderly under that regime.

“During his democratic tenure, he tried his best to fight corruption again. “Unfortunately, most of the officers who served with him were found wanting. They didn’t do as much as he expected of them.

“Despite his quiet nature, he was strong in character and consistent in principle and incorruptible. We have lost a patriot who tried to make Nigeria better. His death is not just a loss to his family but to the entire nation.”

“President Tinubu has asked the Vice President to accompany the body back to Nigeria. That alone shows you the magnitude of this loss."

Buhari died in a London clinic and is expected to be buried under national protocol. His death has drawn a wave of tributes across political and military circles.
On Buhari’s return to power in 2015 as a democratically elected president, Abdulsalami said the late leader maintained his stance on fighting corruption and instilling order, but was let down by several members of his government, adding that his death was “a big blow to Nigeria."
Buhari’s life, Abdulsalami further said, was defined by duty, loyalty, and a desire to instil national values and qualities Nigeria must not forget.
The president would be buried today while arrangements are expected to be announced by the Federal Government in consultation with the family. National flags continue to fly at half-mast as condolences pour in from across the world.