Tinubu: Abdulsalami Chose Honour, Integrity over Allure of Power — We Owe this Democracy to Him

President Bola Tinubu has hailed Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, for choosing “honour and integrity over the allure of power” during Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abubakar to mark his 84th birthday.

Abubakar served as Nigeria’s military head of state from June 9, 1998, to May 29, 1999, when he handed over power to Olusegun Obasanjo, ushering the country’s current democratic dispensation.

Tinubu described the former head of state as “one of Nigeria’s most outstanding and courageous leaders, a true statesman, a soldier-democrat, a passionate bridge-builder, a dependable patriot and a noble gentleman”.

“At a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political history, Gen. Abubakar, by providence, assumed leadership amid uncertainty and apprehension,” the president added.

“He made a solemn commitment to restore democratic governance and, despite immense challenges, fulfilled his promise within 11 months, a record in Nigeria’s transition history.

“He didn’t prolong the transition to civil rule but handed over power on schedule, choosing honour and integrity over the allure of power.”

The president said the three books capture the essence of Abubakar, detailing his life, his work as a soldier and leader, and contributions to the promotion and sustenance of democracy, peace, and development in Nigeria and beyond.

According to him, “no honour is too great for” the former military head of state.

“You deserve all the accolades bestowed upon you today. This gathering is not only a celebration of your 84th birthday but also an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on your legacy and pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape and peace-building efforts in Africa,” Tinubu said.

“It is on record, General, that you placed the love of country above personal interests and gains. You superintended over a transition that gave birth to the ongoing Fourth Republic in 1999, the most enduring democratic era in Nigeria’s history.

“You demonstrated vision, integrity and selflessness, ensuring that democratic institutions were not only restored but also strengthened.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you immensely for your service and sacrifice. We owe this enduring democratic era to you.”

‘MANY OF US WERE IN EXILE’

The president recalled the “pragmatic” efforts made by Abubakar in Nigeria’s pro-democracy era.

He said at that time, many pro-democracy activists in NADECO, NALICON, and the Campaign for Democracy believed that the military would never relinquish power after 15 years.

“Many of us were in exile, campaigning for the return of democracy, uncertain and fearful of returning home,” he said.

“I was one of those in exile. My decision to return and participate in the transition programme would not have been possible without a phone call that still resonates with me today.

“That call from General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as Head of State, assured some of us in exile that he would implement a sincere transition programme and, if we returned, guarantee our safety.”

Tinubu thanked Abubakar for that gesture and for keeping his promise to organise a free and fair transition programme, noting that without it, he might not be standing in Abuja as Nigeria’s 16th president.

He said, by that commitment, “General Abubakar, you literally and truly pulled Nigeria back from the edge of disintegration.”

“I am proud to say that General Abubakar is one of the founding fathers of modern democracy in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

“His single-minded determination laid the foundation of our 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.”

He noted that after overseeing the birth of democracy in 1999, Abubakar continued to nurture the country’s democracy with peace and stability, chairing the national peace committee (NPC), a non-governmental initiative founded in 2014.

Through the NPC, Tinubu said Abubakar has ensured that Nigerian political actors commit to peaceful conflict resolution and reject violence.

The president noted that the former head of state has been one of his most discreet advisers.

“He does not criticise publicly the occupant of the office he once held but offers counsel through thoughtful memos and suggestions. I have found his advice invaluable, and I am a better leader for it. Thank you, sir,” Tinubu said.

The president added that “Nigerians must resolve as a people to strengthen democratic institutions to withstand future challenges”.

“We must commit to deepening peace-building efforts and creating an enduring culture of national unity and stability,” he said.

“We must strive to sustain the values of selfless service, integrity, dedication, and patriotism that Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar exemplifies. We must demonstrate an unrelenting commitment to the security, peace, and prosperity of our dear country.”

The president described the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre (AAARC) as a step in the right direction.

He directed Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the nation’s capital for the centre.

“This is to support the growth, development and long-lasting impact of the institution in promoting democratic ideals and sustainable peace across our nation and the continent,” he said.

The president was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the event, which attracted political leaders from Nigeria and across Africa, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone and former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, who delivered the keynote address.