A former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, says he is in Minna, his home town in Niger state, northern Nigeria and not in any hospital in London, the United Kingdom.
YaahooJournalist reports that Abubakar, a retired Army General, made this clarification in reaction to reports on the internet that he had fallen “critically ill” and had been hospitalised in London.
The rumour was sparked off by a Jackson Ude, who asked people to “please pray for General Abdulsalami Abubakar. He is sick and hospitalised in a London Hospital”.
Reacting to the tweet in a telephone interview with TheCable, Abubakar said: “Somebody just drew my attention to the reports, too, that I have been flown to London. It is not true. I am here in Minna and preparing to have my prayers,” he said.
Abubakar, who is the chairman of the National Peace Committee, thanked his well-wishers for their concern.
“Some people are really worried but there is no truth in the rumour. I am really grateful but they should put their minds at rest. Thanks be to Almighty God, I am hale and hearty,” the former Head of State added.