Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has hailed the former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd) for his contribution to the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
Obasanjo attributed Nigeria’s return to democratic system to Abdulsalami who, according to him, initiated the process.
Recall that the ex-military leader had on the 29th of May 1999 handed over to the civilian administration of Obasanjo after over 30 years of military rule.
Reflecting on the event and its aftermath while speaking at Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday celebration in Abuja on Saturday, Obasanjo showered encomium on the former military Head of State for restoring democracy in Nigeria.
“I should tell this August audience that not only did you initiate and ensure the restoration of democracy; you sustained it not only because of the peace that you had walked with other people, but the way you actually walked with me after I took over.
“Can I forget how regularly you come with a piece of paper with all the points that he wanted to discuss with me about what is going on; what should be done; and how you saw things.
“And we sat down and look at them one by one.” He said.
Meanwhile, Obasanjo noted that four military leaders tremendously contributed to Nigeria’s survival.
He however admitted to the mistakes of the military leaders who were not mentioned.
“Four military leaders have made tremendous contributions to Nigeria of today, and without their contributions, we will not be where we are. They are all not perfect human beings.
“They all made mistakes, but they all contributed, without which we could have not been able to have Nigeria of today. I am talking of military Nigerian leaders.” Obasanjo said.
Also speaking at the event was the Senate President Godswill Akpabio who hailed Abdulsalami for his decision to hand over to a civilian government despite advice to extend his tenure.
“Destiny can be delayed but cannot be denied. So, it is your destiny to rule this country and to take this country to democratic rule. God bestowed that on you, and you were able to discharge with a lot of sacrifice.
“In government, there is a lot of sycophancies. You have all source of advice.
“Some came to you and said extend your tenure. You had absolute power to do so, and nobody would have questioned you. Others said add six months, three months.” Akpabio said.
The Senate President held that those advising the former military leader to extend his tenure did so for selfish gain.
He commended Abdulsalami for maintaining his stance on handing over power.
“They were not speaking in the interest of Nigeria. They were not even speaking in your interest. They were speaking in their personal interest.
“But most times, people in government are not the beneficiaries. It is the sycophants that are the beneficiaries and they want it to go on so that they can use you to prolong the way they use the government.
“But you were able to shake them all off with conviction of a man who knew where he was going.
“I would like to follow somebody like you a man who knows the road. I salute you for your courage. I salute you for your sacrifice.” Akpabio said.
Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday ceremony held at the Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa also had in attendance, Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Sierra Leonean President, Julius Maada Bio, and other notable dignitaries.
The event also included the launch of three books in honour of the former military leader.