President Bola Tinubu has directed the FCT Minister to allocate a befitting parcel of land within the territory to build an office for the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC).
Tinubu gave the directive on Saturday in Abuja during the public presentation of three books, ‘Call of Duty’, ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot,’ and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa,’ in honour of Gen. Abubakar (rtd).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book launch coincided with his 84th birthday anniversary.
Represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Nigerian leader praised the former Head of State for continuing ‘to serve as a respected elder statesman.
Tinubu also hailed him for promoting peace, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement” through the National Peace Committee.
He justified why the AAARC deserves a befitting office in Abuja, saying “the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre is a worthy initiative.
” The Centre aligns with the values Gen. Abubakar has championed throughout his life.
” In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the territory for the development of the Centre and the advancement of its mission,” he directed.
The President said Abubakar’s life had been defined by duty, moderation, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the public, noting that he “occupies a unique place in the history of the nation.
“At a moment of profound uncertainty, when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, providence entrusted him with the responsibility of leadership.
” He understood both the weight of that responsibility and the demands of the moment.
“He pledged to return the country to democratic rule, and he fulfilled that pledge faithfully and honourably,” he added.
The Nigerian leader recalled how Abubakar “rendered one of the greatest services any leader can render a nation,” placing country above self and principle above power.
He said the peaceful transition the former Head of State supervised in 1999 “gave birth to the Fourth Republic, the longest uninterrupted democratic period in Nigeria’s history.”
Tinubu acknowledged that millions of Nigerians, including him and other privileged to serve in public office, “are beneficiaries of the stability and democratic foundation that his stewardship helped secure.”
He stated that his political journey was shaped by the historic Abubakar-led transition.
Tinubu said Abubakar’s sincerity necessitated his return to participate in the nation’s democratic process.
” Like many pro-democracy activists of that era, I returned to participate in the democratic process because I was convinced of Gen. Abubakar’s sincerity and determination to restore constitutional rule.
“He kept his word and, as a result, helped steady the ship of state, preserved national cohesion, and guided our country safely towards democracy.
” For that service, generations of Nigerians will remain in his debt. Yet his contribution did not end with his departure from office,” he said
The President commended the authors of the books for preserving an important chapter of Nigeria’s national history for future generations to learn from.
Earlier, former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, said the tireless and sacrificial contributions of Abubakar led to the consolidation of democratic governance and peacebuilding across Africa.
Mbeki, who paid a glowing tribute to Abubakar’s legacy, said the former Head of State shunned all overtures and placed the well-being of Nigerians above personal interests.
According to him, he chooses to entrench democratic governance and peacebuilding in Nigeria.
For his part, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), who chaired the occasion, said there was much to learn from Abubakar’s exemplary leadership and legacy of peacebuilding.
He also applauded his role in leading one of Africa’s most significant transitions from military to civilian rule.
He said Abubakar’s mediation role remains legendary across the African continent and beyond.
” His ideals of patriotism and his consistent choice of country and humanity over self are worthy of emulation by young Africans as future leaders,” he said.
Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, maintained that most Nigerian military leaders, including the celebrant, have made contributions that have helped keep Nigeria united.
Obasanjo, however, said none of them were perfect individuals.
He narrated how the elder statesman played the role of a peacemaker in Nigeria.
For former President Goodluck Jonathan, the celebrant was a remarkable statesman who embodies wisdom and devotion to the nation.
He stressed that Abubakar has continued to play an active role in the entrenchment of peace within and outside Nigeria.
In his remarks, Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for supporting the commemorative event.
He recalled that he emerged as Head of State in 1998 when Nigeria stood at a crossroads.
He added that he and others facilitated the nation’s democratic transition in the shortest possible time – within 11 months-.
Abubakar said the crucial step helped to entrench unity in the country. He urged all stakeholders to continue championing peace, justice, and national unity. “
NAN reports that the book presentation raked in millions of Naira from Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote N500 million; and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu N250 million.
Others are the House of Representatives N50 million; the Senate, N100 million, and the Nigerian governors, commercial banks, and others. NAN