Abdulsalami dismisses reports of stroke, says ‘I only had issues with my knee which affected mobility’

Former head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar on Monday said he is recovering well from knee problems which led to his cancelling activities to mark his 80th birthday.

Abdulsalami, who was flown to the UK following the illness, told TheCable in a phone chat over widespread reports that he had suffered a stroke, he only had issues with his knee which affected his mobility.

“I had a swollen knee and was unable to walk for days in the last week of May,” he told the online publication.

“After initial care by my doctors, they advised that I should seek further expert care abroad. That was why I had to cancel my birthday programme.

“I was on admission for a brief period but I have now been discharged while doctors do a regular follow-up. I am much better. It was not an emergency and I was not rushed to any hospital.

“I appreciate the support, love, and care that Nigerians have been showing since the story went on social media. I am grateful to all my friends and well-wishers.”

Earlier on Monday evening, presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, took to social media to disclose that the former head of state is out of hospital.

Writing via his verified Facebook page, Shehu said he visited General Abdulsalami in London and that he was not in any serious condition any longer, hence there was no cause for alarm.

“Alhamdu Lillahi for Allah’s mercy. I just ended a visit to His Excellency Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State. He is out of hospital in a London apartment and apparently in no serious condition. He was his jovial self, maintaining a keen interest in developments back at home in Nigeria. Please, no cause for alarm,” he wrote.

Abdulsalami, who handed over to a democratically elected government in May 1999,
has also been involved in a number of peace initiatives to prevent violence around elections in the country.