‘Buhari never forgets his friends’

Weekly Trust: Tell us about your school days. What kind of youngster was Buhari?
Muntari Abubakar: He was a very respectful person and leader even at that age. Everybody liked him. Whether you are a classmate or schoolmate, he got along with everyone as long as they were well-behaved. He was liked everybody and was very likeable, probably why he was appointed a prefect from that time up to secondary level. He’s always been a leader.
WT: Is there something people don’t know about Buhari that you could share with us?
Abubakar: I think people see him as somebody who is this rigid, serious career soldier. But that’s a wrong impression. As long as you are trustworthy, Buhari will be your friend.
WT: How often do you meet since he became this superstar statesman?
Abubakar: We have been with him for a while. From when he was a Lieutenant-Colonel, when he was Minister, as Head of State, his days in the PTF, and even when he was in prison. Even though we didn’t have contact with him, we remained close to his family. We used to come and visit his mother.