President Bola Tinubu has praised former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar for his continued role as an elder statesman since leaving office as Nigeria's last military ruler. Tinubu highlighted Abubakar's founding of the National Peace Committee and his ongoing service as a respected elder statesman promoting peace, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement.
Land Allocation for African Resource Centre
The president directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a befitting parcel of land within the nation's capital for the construction of an office for the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC). Tinubu made this announcement on Saturday in Abuja during the public presentation of three books—Call of Duty, Nigeria's Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa—honouring Abubakar.
Book Launch and Birthday Celebration
Eulogising the former Nigerian leader at the book launch, which coincided with his 84th birthday, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the presence of dignitaries from home and abroad as a fitting tribute to Abdulsalami's life. He justified the need for a befitting office for the AAARC, stating that the centre aligns with the values Abubakar has championed throughout his life.
“In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the Federal Capital Territory for the development of the Centre and the advancement of its mission,” Tinubu said.
Abubakar's Legacy of Peace and Democracy
The president noted that Abubakar's life has been defined by duty, moderation, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the public. He occupies a unique place in Nigeria's history, having led the country during a moment of profound uncertainty. “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,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu recalled how Abubakar “rendered one of the greatest services any leader can render a nation,” placing country above self and principle above power. The peaceful transition supervised in 1999 gave birth to the Fourth Republic, the longest uninterrupted democratic period in Nigeria's history. The president acknowledged that millions of Nigerians, including himself, are beneficiaries of the stability and democratic foundation secured by Abubakar's stewardship.
Specifically, Tinubu stated that his political journey was shaped by the historic Abdulsalami-led transition, and the former head of state's sincerity necessitated his return to participate in the democratic process. “Like many pro-democracy activists of that era, I returned to participate in the democratic process because I was convinced of General Abdulsalami 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,” Tinubu said.
Tributes from African Leaders
In a keynote address, former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki said Abubakar's tireless and sacrificial contributions led to the consolidation of democratic governance and peacebuilding across Africa. Mbeki noted that Abubakar shunned all overtures and placed the well-being of Nigerians above personal interests, choosing instead to entrench democratic governance and peacebuilding in Nigeria.
Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, said there is much to learn from Abubakar's exemplary leadership and legacy of peacebuilding, particularly his role in leading one of Africa's most significant transitions from military to civilian rule. Gowon noted that Abubakar's mediation role remains legendary across the African continent and beyond, while his ideals of patriotism and consistent choice of country and humanity over self are worthy of emulation by young Africans as future leaders.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo maintained that most Nigerian military leaders, including the celebrant, have made contributions that have helped keep Nigeria united, even though none was a perfect individual. He narrated how the elder statesman has played the role of a peacemaker in Nigeria.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described the celebrant as 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.
President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Bio, explained that the three books launched depict a life dedicated to service, patriotism, and leadership. According to him, history rarely remembers leaders for the power they possess; rather, it remembers those willing to relinquish power for the attainment of a greater national purpose.
Gratitude and Reflections
Former First Lady Fatima Abubakar expressed gratitude for witnessing the launch of the three important books chronicling her husband's life of service and enduring impact. She said her husband remains a peace-loving man and ensured that the family never lacked anything despite being away on national assignments.
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, and he and others facilitated the nation's democratic transition in the shortest possible time—within 11 months. He urged all stakeholders to continue championing peace, justice, and national unity.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed; and a representative of the former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Fundraising and Attendance
The book presentation raised millions of naira from Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote (₦500 million); Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (₦250 million); the House of Representatives (₦50 million); the Senate (₦100 million); Nigerian governors, commercial banks, and others. Also present at the occasion were the Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Zeine; former Vice Presidents Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo; Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; Governors Babagana Zulum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and Umar Bago; ministers; traditional rulers; and other members of the Federal Executive Council.
