President Bola Tinubu on Saturday poured encomium on former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar for continuing ’to serve as a respected elder statesman, promoting peace, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement” through the National Peace Committee.
He also directed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a befitting parcel of land within the nation’s capital to build an office for the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC).
The President stated this in Abuja during the public presentation of three books, ‘Call of Duty’, ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot,’ and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa,’ in honour of General Abubakar.
Eulogising the former Nigerian leader at the book launch, which coincided with his 84th birthday, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the presence of dignitaries from both home and abroad at the event as a fitting tribute to General Abubakar’s life.
He justified why the AAARC deserves a befitting office in Abuja, saying “the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre is a worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abubakar has championed throughout his life.
“In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the Federal Capital Territory for the development of the Centre and the advancement of its mission,” he directed.
The President said General Abubakar’s life had been defined by duty, moderation, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the public, noting that he “occupies a unique place in the history of our nation.”
“At a moment of profound uncertainty, when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, providence entrusted him with the responsibility of leadership. He understood both the weight of that responsibility and the demands of the moment. He pledged to return the country to democratic rule, and he fulfilled that pledge faithfully and honourably”.
Tinubu recalled how Abubakar “rendered one of the greatest services any leader can render a nation,” placing country above self and principle above power.
He said the peaceful transition the former Head of State supervised in 1999 gave birth to the Fourth Republic, the longest uninterrupted democratic period in Nigeria’s history.
The President acknowledged that millions of Nigerians, including him and others privileged to serve in public office, are beneficiaries of the stability and democratic foundation that his stewardship helped secure.
Tinubu stated specifically that his political journey was shaped by the historic Abdulsalami-led transition, even as he said Abubakar’s sincerity necessitated his return to participate in the nation’s democratic process.
His words: “Like many pro-democracy activists of that era, I returned to participate in the democratic process because I was convinced of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s sincerity and determination to restore constitutional rule.
“He kept his word and, as a result, helped steady the ship of state, preserved national cohesion, and guided our country safely towards democracy. For that service, generations of Nigerians will remain in his debt. Yet his contribution did not end with his departure from office.”
He commended the authors of the books for preserving an important chapter of Nigeria’s national history for future generations.
Earlier, in a keynote address, former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, said the tireless and sacrificial contributions of General Abubakar led to the consolidation of democratic governance and peacebuilding across Africa.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said Abubakar’s leadership remains a key example of peaceful transition from military to civilian rule.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan praised Abubakar for resisting pressure to extend military rule and for handing over power in 1999.
He said Abubakar’s decision remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Jonathan added that the former leader’s role after office through the National Peace Committee has continued to support peaceful elections and national unity.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said consultation and inclusive leadership are key to strengthening democracy, while praising Abdulsalami’s role in Nigeria’s political transition.
He also recalled Abubakar’s efforts toward securing the release of Chief MKO Abiola and political detainees during the transition period.
ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, said the three books launched reflect a life of service and leadership.
Fatima Lami Abubakar expressed appreciation for the honour given to her husband and described him as a peace-loving man.
General Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for supporting the commemorative event.
He recalled that he emerged as Head of State in 1998 when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, adding that he and others facilitated the nation’s democratic transition in the shortest possible time—within 11 months.
The ex-Head of State noted that this crucial step helped entrench unity in the country, just as he urged all stakeholders to continue championing peace, justice, and national unity.
The book presentation raked in millions of naira from Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote (₦500 million); Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (₦250 million); the House of Representatives (₦50 million); the Senate (₦100 million); Nigerian governors, commercial banks, and others.
Also present at the occasion were the Prime Minister of the Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine; former Vice Presidents, Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Governors Babagana Umara Zulum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and Umar Bago; ministers; traditional rulers; and other members of the Federal Executive Council.
Deji Elumoye
Follow us on:
