Nigerian Leaders Praise Abdulsalami for Pivotal Role in Restoring Democracy

Nigeria's former heads of state, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan, have commended Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar for his instrumental role in transitioning the country to democratic rule. The occasion was the celebration of Abdulsalami's 84th birthday and the presentation of his autobiography, which took place at the State House in Abuja. The event, themed 'Legacy of a Statesman', drew notable figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Sierra Leone's President Julius Bio, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The leaders lauded Abdulsalami's selfless leadership during a critical period in Nigeria's history, which helped stabilize the nation and paved the way for its return to civilian rule. According to Obasanjo, Abdulsalami skillfully managed the transition period following the death of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1998, releasing political prisoners and laying the groundwork for the restoration of democracy within a year of taking office. Obasanjo noted that Abdulsalami's contributions extended beyond the restoration of democracy, as he also played a significant role in sustaining it through his support for successive democratic governments. 'You are a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot and a nationalist. An elder statesman and a peacemaker. You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha's death. You emerged from the clouds and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation politically,' Obasanjo said. Gowon praised Abdulsalami for overseeing one of the quickest and most seamless transitions from military to civilian rule in recent history. 'He led one of the fastest and seamless democratic transitions from military to civilian rule in recent history. He supervised Nigeria's constitution, he also midwifed and supervised one of the most seamless and credible elections in Africa today,' Gowon said. Jonathan credited Abdulsalami with stabilizing the nation at a critical moment in its history, describing him as a key figure in Nigeria's democratic journey. The President of Sierra Leone, Bio, also paid tribute to Abdulsalami, stating that he would be remembered for choosing democracy over personal ambition at a critical moment in Nigeria's history. Bio noted that Abdulsalami had the opportunity to remain in power but instead chose to hand over to a democratically elected civilian government. The event featured a review of Abdulsalami's 274-page autobiography, with Prof. Kabiru Isyaku describing it as a memoir, testimony, historical reflection, and personal confession that chronicles a life dedicated to service.