Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has reflected on Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule, describing the 1999 handover to a civilian government as a crucial step needed to restore stability and national unity after years of political uncertainty.
Speaking at events marking his 84th birthday and the unveiling of three books documenting his life and contributions to nation-building, Abdulsalami called on Nigerians to uphold democratic values, promote peace and strengthen institutions. He stressed that despite its challenges, democracy remains the best system of government and offers greater benefits than any alternative.
The event, held at the State House, Abuja, and titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @ 84,” featured the launch of his autobiography, “A Call of Duty: My Autobiography,” alongside “Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honor of General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar,” and “Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, GCFR.”
The former Nigerian leader was in office for 11 months between June 1998 and May 1999, when he handed over power to a democratically elected government headed by Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state.
In an address that doubled as a reflection on his public service career, Abdulsalami, a retired general, revisited the tense circumstances under which he assumed power in June 1998 following Sani Abacha’s death.
According to him, Nigeria was deeply divided and yearning for a return to democratic rule when he took over leadership of the country.
“History is a way of defining the destiny of nations through critical moments,” he said.
“When I assumed office as Head of State in 1998, Nigeria stood at a crossroads, a nation yearning for stability, democracy and good governance.”
He recalled that demands for a return to civilian government came from political leaders, civil society organisations, the international community and ordinary Nigerians who had become weary of years of military rule.
Abdulsalami said he responded by making a solemn commitment to facilitate a democratic transition in the shortest possible time.
The former military leader said his administration worked with members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, the Federal Executive Council, the military hierarchy and the media to deliver on that promise.
“We had to depart from the era of decrees and fashion out workable constitutional arrangements to legitimise the transition from military rule to democratic governance,” he said.
Reiterating a philosophy that guided his administration, Abdulsalami said leadership must be measured not by the exercise of power but by service to the people.
“Leadership is not about power but about responsibility, and the best way to lead is to serve with integrity.”
Abdulsalami noted that within 11 months of assuming office, his administration successfully conducted the transition programme, culminating in the inauguration of civilian rule headed by Olusegun Obasanjo on 29 May 1999.
The handover brought to an end more than 15 years of uninterrupted military rule and ushered in Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
He described the transition as a moral imperative aimed at restoring national stability and unity after years of political turbulence.
“True to this commitment, within 11 months, my administration midwifed the transition that restored democratic governance to Nigeria on May 29, 1999.
“This was not just a political necessity but a moral imperative to set our nation on the path of stability, unity and progress.”
He expressed hope that Nigerians would continue to strengthen democratic institutions and deepen democratic culture for the benefit of future generations.
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