Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has praised Abdulsalami Abubakar, ex-military head of state, for his decision to return Nigeria to democratic rule within 11 months of assuming office.
Mbeki spoke virtually on Friday at the public presentation
of three books in honour of the former head of state ahead of his 84th
birthday.
The former South African leader said Abdulsalami’s response
to the political uncertainty that followed the death of late military ruler
Sani Abacha in June 1998 demonstrated “great wisdom, foresight and
statesmanship”.
According to Mbeki, Abdulsalami recognised the need for
stability and democratic governance shortly after assuming office and committed
to a brief transition period rather than extending military rule.
“Following his appointment as head of state by the
Provisional Ruling Council, he recognized the urgent need for stability and
democratic governance and hence chose to commit to a short transition period,”
Mbeki said.
He added that Abdulsalami placed Nigeria’s interests above
personal ambition and resisted the temptation to cling to power.
Mbeki described the transition as significant not only
because of its speed but also because of its lasting impact on democratic
governance in Nigeria and across Africa.
Mbeki said Abdulsalami’s administration introduced
constitutional, electoral and governance reforms that paved the way for the
1999 elections and strengthened institutions required to sustain democratic
rule.
“His response to the political uncertainties that followed
the sudden demise of General Sani Abacha demonstrated great wisdom, foresight
and statesmanship,” Mbeki said.
“He placed the interests of his country first and overcame
the temptation and allure of power.”
Mbeki noted that Abdulsalami’s record challenged common
assumptions about military leaders on the continent.
He added that the constitutional framework and electoral
institutions established during Abdulsalami’s tenure remain the foundation of
Nigeria’s democracy and helped lay the groundwork for subsequent peaceful
transfers of power.
Mbeki said Abdulsalami’s commitment to democracy, peace and
stability remains one of his greatest legacies and offers important lessons for
African leaders and institutions.
“Given some of Africa’s history since independence, it would
be natural to expect that a man of his background from the military profession
who rose to become general and head of state while in a soldier’s uniform would
not be associated with the idea of democracy,” he said.
“However, the beauty lies in the fact that he performed both
duties with a keen sense of justice and history, responsibility and
distinction.
“The paucity of scholarship and research leaves room for
discussion and misrepresentation, which leads to the adoption of wrong
policies.”
The books launched at the event were Call of Duty: An
Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar; Nigeria’s Grand Patriot:
Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar; and Mediating for Peace in Africa: A
Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
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