Former President Goodluck Jonathan has extolled Abdulsalami Abubakar, former military head of state, for the role he played in Nigeria’s democracy.
Jonathan spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the public
presentation of three books honouring Abubakar on 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,
marking Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule.
Jonathan said no other person deserves credit for
stabilising democracy in Nigeria other than the retired military head of state.
‘“With so many well‑ironed khaki people around you
with assault rifles and APCs, saying that we will still stay on and for you to
have the courage to say no, it takes somebody who has a common commitment to
the peace and progress of the country,” he said.
The former president described Abubakar as a rare leader
whose influence “transcends the office they occupied” and whose life is a
testament to “humility in leadership, patriotism in service, and wisdom in
statesmanship.”
“When I lost the election in 2015, some people used to pour
on me encomiums that sometimes I don’t even deserve,” he said.
“But if there is anybody that we can give credit to who has
stabilised democracy in Nigeria today, it is General Abdulsalami Abubakar.”
He contrasted Abubakar with another past head of state who
heeded his wife’s advice not to relinquish power.
“I know of a president that at the critical time to leave
because of certain circumstances and the wife just said no, we are not going,”
Jonathan said.
“And he came in, and the rest is a very ugly history. We
must commend Abdulsalami Abubakar.”
Jonathan described Abubakar as a “distinguished national
leader” at 84, noting that the occasion was not merely about celebrating his
age.
“But this is not merely a celebration of age. It’s a
celebration of a lifetime devotion to the service of our nation and humanity,”
he said.
“General Abdulsalami belongs to that rare class of leaders
whose influence transcends the office they occupied.
“His life story is a testament to humility in leadership,
patriotism in service, and wisdom in statesmanship.”
Jonathan said the theme of the occasion, “Legacy of the
statesman,” was both fitting and profound.
He noted that legacy is not measured by the number of years
one lives, but by the values one leaves behind, the institutions one
strengthens, and the lives one touches.
“In this regard, General Abdulsalami’s contributions to
Nigeria stand as enduring monuments,” Jonathan said.
He recalled how, at a defining moment in Nigeria’s history,
Abubakar demonstrated “uncommon courage and selflessness” by guiding the
country through a peaceful transition that restored democratic governance and
renewed hope.
“At a defining moment in our nation’s history, he
demonstrated uncommon courage and selflessness by guiding Nigeria through a
peaceful transition that restored democratic governance and renewed hope in the
future of her country,” he said.
“His actions during the critical period reinforced the
principle that true leadership is not about power, but sacrifice and commitment
to the greater good.
“Beyond his tenure in office, General Abdulsalami has
remained a steadfast advocate for peace, dialogue, national unity, and
democratic stability through the instrumentality of the National Peace
Committee, which he chairs.
“He has continued to advocate for peace, peaceful elections,
as well as intervene in conflict resolutions and nation‑building
initiatives. And some of his activities were even during when I was in office,
so I knew what he did, especially in Sudan.”
Jonathan said the launch of the three books is a real
opportunity to preserve history and document leadership lessons.
“The launch of these three books is therefore a real
opportunity to preserve history, document lessons in leadership, and inspire
future generations by one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen,” he
said.
“As we celebrate General Abdulsalami today, we are reminded
that nations are built not only by policies and institutions, but also by the
character of those who lead them.
“His life offers enduring lessons in integrity, humility,
patriotism, and commitment to national service.”
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