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.
The revelation is coming as the remains of Buhari, who died in a London hospital on Sunday at the age of 82 and would be buried today in Daura, Katsina state, are airbone in a presidential aircraft to Katsina ahead of a state burial.
The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari departed London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday morning for Daura, Katsina State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading a high-level Federal Government delegation to finalise documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation of the ex-president’s remains.
On Monday, the federal government said that President Bola Tinubu will receive the former President’s remains in Katsina ahead of his final interment in Daura, Katsina State.
Daura said 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 disclosed to THISDAY 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,”.
