Tinubu praises Abdulsalami Abubakar, says he held the reins during uncertain times

President Bola Tinubu has lauded former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, recognizing his significant contributions as an elder statesman since leaving office as Nigeria's last military ruler.

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to serve as a respected elder statesman, promoting peace, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement.

Tinubu specifically commended Abubakar for founding the National Peace Committee and for his ongoing efforts to "promote peace, national unity, democratic stability, and responsible political engagement." In a gesture of recognition, the President directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a suitable parcel of land in Abuja for the establishment of an office for the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC).

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the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre is a worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abubakar has championed throughout his life.

The praise came during the public presentation of three books honoring Abubakar: "Call of Duty," "Nigeria’s Grand Patriot," and "Mediating for Peace in Africa." The event coincided with Abubakar's 84th birthday. President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that the presence of dignitaries from Nigeria and abroad was a fitting tribute to Abubakar's life and legacy.

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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.

"The establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre is a worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abubakar has championed throughout his life," Tinubu stated, justifying the need for a dedicated office. He described Abubakar's life as one defined by duty, moderation, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the public. The President emphasized Abubakar's unique place in Nigerian history, particularly his role during a moment of profound uncertainty when he fulfilled his pledge to return the country to democratic rule in 1999. This peaceful transition, Tinubu added, gave birth to Nigeria's Fourth Republic, marking the longest uninterrupted democratic period in the nation's history.

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gave birth to the Fourth Republic, the longest uninterrupted democratic period in Nigeria’s history.