Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, has called on Nigerians to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance to consolidate the country’s democratic gains.
Abubakar made the call on Saturday in Abuja during the celebration of his 84th birthday and the launch of his autobiography titled Call of Duty: My Autobiography.
The retired general, who assumed office as head of state on June 9, 1998, following the death of General Sani Abacha, supervised Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance on May 29, 1999.
Reflecting on the circumstances that led to the transition, Abubakar said Nigeria was at a critical juncture when he took over leadership of the country.
“History has 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.
“The calls came loud and clear to return the country to civilian rule from various segments of society, political leaders, civil society, the international community and, most importantly, Nigerians.”
HANDING OVER TO DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT
The former military ruler said his administration made a commitment to hand over power to a democratically elected government within the shortest possible time.
“With a profound sense of duty and with the help of my colleagues in the armed forces, members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, members of the Federal Executive Council and members of the press, I made a solemn promise to the Nigerian people to facilitate a democratic transition in the shortest possible time,” he said.
Abubakar noted that part of the transition process involved moving away from military decrees and creating a constitutional framework to support democratic governance.
“As a build-up, we had to depart from the era of decrees and fashion out a workable constitution to legitimise the transition from military rule to democratic governance,” he said.
The former head of state reiterated his long-held view on leadership, describing it as a responsibility rather than an avenue for power.
“As I have often said, leadership is not about power but about responsibility, and the best way to lead is to serve with integrity,” he said.
Abubakar said the successful transition to civilian rule in 1999 was both a political and moral necessity for Nigeria’s stability and development.
“Within 11 months, my administration midwifed the transition that restored democratic governance to Nigeria on May 29, 1999,” he said.
“This was not just a political but a moral imperative to set our nation on the path of stability, unity and progress.”
He expressed hope that Nigeria would continue to consolidate its democratic culture by strengthening institutions and improving governance.
“Today, as we reflect on our democratic journey, it is my hope that we continue to deepen our democratic culture, build stronger institutions and promote good governance for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.
