President Bola Tinubu was absent on Saturday as former Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan led tributes to honour ex-military ruler Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) on his 84th birthday.
The event, a public presentation of three books documenting Abdulsalami’s life and service, held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja drew Nigeria’s political and business elites to capacity.
While Tinubu was not in attendance, the presence of three former presidents underscored Abdulsalami’s standing in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Gowon, Obasanjo and Jonathan took turns praising the 1998-1999 Head of State for his role in handing over power to civilians and for his post-service peace efforts across Africa.
The past Presidents emphasized that this is one of those days we look up to in this country, where distinguished statesmen tell us life experiences.
According to them Abdulsalami has written his name in gold by singular decision returning power to civilian rule which everybody should strive to write their name in gold.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the keynote speaker, called on African leaders to emulate Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar’s virtues of peace. He spoke on “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar.”
On his part, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the National Assembly was the greatest beneficiary of Gen. Abdulsalami’s decision to hand over power to civilian rule, which ushered in the current democratic dispensation.
He added that the National Assembly would officially honour the octogenarian, noting that the celebration of his 84th birthday and the books launched at the event were not enough to recognise his legacy
The books presentation ended with a fundraising session as top business leaders pledged support for Abdulsalami’s foundations.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, both announced donations during the event. Dangote committed N500 million while Rabiu pledged N250 million, bringing their combined contribution to N750 million.
Dangote said the donation was in recognition of Abdulsalami’s “difficult but necessary decisions for democracy and peace.” Rabiu represented by Aliyu Idi Hong, a former minister and Director of Government Relations at BUA Group
described the former president as a patriot whose legacy of stability continues to inspire.
Proceeds from the three books are expected to fund Abdulsalami’s peace and conflict resolution initiatives.
Gen. Abdulsalami, who ruled Nigeria from 1998 to 1999, is widely credited for midwifing the transition to the Fourth Republic after the death of Gen. Sani Abacha. He has remained active in mediation and election observation across West Africa since leaving office.
