President Bola Tinubu has hailed the former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar for placing the nation above himself and principle above power by paving the way for the return of democratic rule in the country in 1999.
The President, who was represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima said this on Saturday in his remarks during Abubakar’s 84th birthday and launch of three books in his honour at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa.
The President also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to allocate huge portion of land for the construction of the Abdilsalami Abubakar African Resource Center just as he equally announced that the federal government would fund the project.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan in their separate remarks hailed the former Nigerian leader for bequeathing democracy to Nigerians in 1999.
Tinubu said: “General Abdusalalami Abubakar occupies a unique place in the history of our nation at a moment of profound uncertainty.
“When Nigeria stood at a crossroad, providence entrusted him with the responsibility of leadership.
“They understood both the work of their responsibility and the demands of the moment. He pledged to return the country to democratic rule, and he fulfilled that pledge faithfully.
“In doing so, he rendered one of the greatest services any leader can render a nation. He placed country above self and principle above power.
“The peaceful transition he supervised in 1999 gave birth to the Fourth Republic, the longest uninterrupted democratic period in Nigeria’s history.
“Millions of Nigerians agreed, and those of us privileged to serve in public office today, including the Speaker and, of course, the President of the Senate, today are beneficiaries of the stability and democratic foundation that his stewardship has secured.
“I speak not only as President but also as one of whose own political journey was shaped by that historic transition.
“Like many of our democracy activists of that area, I returned to participate in the democratic process because I was convinced of General Abdalsalami Abubarkat’s democratic sincerity and determination to restore constitutional rules.
“He kept his words and have steadied the ship of state, preserved national cohesion, and guided our countries safely towards democracy.
“Yet his contribution did not end with his departure from office. Over the years he has continued to serve as a respected elder citizen, promoting peace, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement through the National Peace Committee and numerous interventions across Africa.
“He has remained a tireless advocate for dialogue, reconciliation, and democratic family.
“On a personal note, I benefited immensely from his wisdom and counsel. His advice is always hopeful, major, patriotic, and offered with the discretionary peace assessment. I deeply value his guidance and friendship.”
While commending the authors of the three books for a job well done, the President said the books presented preserved “an important chapter of our national history and ensuring that future generations can learn from the example of a leader whose life embodies study process.”
“The establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Center is a working initiative that aligns with our values.
“I hereby direct the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a very huge piece of land within the federal capital territory along the airport road for the development of the center and the advancement of this nation, Your Excellency, and the federal government will fund the construction of the center.”
