President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), describing him as a statesman whose selfless leadership laid the foundation for Nigeria’s longest democratic era.
Tinubu made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 84th birthday celebration and public presentation of three books chronicling the life and contributions of the former military leader at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Saturday.
The President said General Abdulsalami’s decision to hand over power to a democratically elected government in 1999 remains one of the most significant acts of patriotism in Nigeria’s political history.
“At a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political history, General Abdulsalami Abubakar assumed leadership amid uncertainty and apprehension. He made a solemn commitment to restore democratic governance and fulfilled that promise within 11 months,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the former Head of State resisted the temptation to cling to power and instead chose honour, integrity and national interest by overseeing a successful transition to civil rule.
“It is on record 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,” he stated.
Tinubu noted that Abdulsalami’s leadership helped restore and strengthen democratic institutions, adding that generations of Nigerians continue to benefit from the foundations laid during the transition programme.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you immensely for your service and sacrifice. We owe this enduring democratic era to you,” the President declared.
He described the retired general as one of Nigeria’s most courageous and outstanding leaders, praising his contributions to democracy, peace-building and development across Africa and beyond.
The event attracted prominent national and international leaders, including President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who delivered the keynote address.
Tinubu said the gathering was not only a celebration of General Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday but also an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on his enduring legacy and pivotal role in shaping the country’s democratic journey.
