Former military ruler Abdulsalam Abubakar flown to the UK after suffering partial stroke

FORMER Nigerian military ruler General Abdulsalam Abubakar has been flown to the UK for emergency medical treatment after taking ill after suffering what is believed to have been a partial stroke.

General Abdulsalam, 80, governed Nigeria briefly between December 1998 and June 1999, taking over from dictator General Sani Abacha when he died and then organising elections before handing over to a civilian administration. Prior to becoming head of state, he has served as General Abacha’s chief of defence staff.

Apparently, General Abubakar was flown out of Nigeria to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about three weeks ago for medical treatment. However, it appears that his situation has worsened and he has now been flown to a hospital in the United Kingdom where he is receiving treatment for a partial stroke.

Justice Fati Abubakar, the general’s wife accompanied him on the trip. His in-law and Niger State governor, Abubakar Bello left Nigeria after the recent All Progressives Congress presidential primary to visit him too.

General Abubakar, who is the chairman of Nigeria’s National Peace Committee is said to be in a stable condition as doctors continue to monitor him. It is not yet clear how long he will be in the UK for.