The former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar,rtd) has explained that the decision to hand over power to a civilian government in 1999 was both a political necessity and a moral obligation to rescue the country from prolonged instability.
Penpushing reports that he made this known at his 84th birthday celebration and the public presentation of three books chronicling his life and contributions to nation-building held at the State House, Abuja. Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
The former Megerian leader reflected on one of the most consequential periods in Nigeria’s history, saying and urged Nigerians to remain committed to democracy, peace and strong institutions, insisting that the gains of democratic governance far outweigh any alternative system.
Penpushing further reports that the ceremony 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 retired ary general in an address that doubled as a reflection on his public service career, revisited the tense circumstances under which he assumed power in June 1998 following Sani Abacha’s death.
Penpushing also reports that Abdulsalami pointed out that 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 moment, 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 said
Penpushing reports that he recalled that demands for a return to civilian government came from political leaders, civil society organisations, international community and ordinary Nigerians who had become weary of years of military rule.
The former Head of State said he responded by making a solemn commitment to facilitate a democratic transition in the shortest possible time., stressing that his administration worked with members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, Federal Executive Council, 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’, Abdulsalami said.
Penpushing further reports that 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.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that Abdulsalami 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.
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