President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has paid glowing tribute to former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, describing lawmakers across Nigeria as major beneficiaries of the historic decision to hand over power to a civilian administration in 1999.
Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday during the public presentation of three books in honour of the former military leader and the celebration of his 84th birthday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Senate President commended Abdulsalami for keeping his promise to restore democratic governance despite alleged pressure from political associates and power brokers who urged him to extend military rule.
“Your Excellency, on behalf of my colleagues, I thank you for that patriotic action and decision you took on May 29, 1999. By that action, you restored democratic structures at both the national and state levels. We, the lawmakers, are major beneficiaries of that act of sacrifice over the past two decades,” Akpabio said.
According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President disclosed that members of the National Assembly were considering a special event to honour Abdulsalami for his selfless service to the nation.
“My colleagues are awaiting your approval for a date to celebrate and honour you for your selflessness and sacrifice for this nation despite the pressure from sycophants in the corridors of power for you to extend your tenure by one year, six months or three months,” he stated.
Akpabio noted that Abdulsalami demonstrated uncommon courage and integrity by resisting calls to remain in office beyond the transition timetable, stressing that no one would likely have challenged him had he chosen to extend military rule.
“I salute your courage and sacrifice because you did not allow yourself to be misled by sycophants who came to impress it upon you to extend your handing-over date. But as a man of integrity with the fear of God, you ignored them and kept to your promise.
When it was time, you put in place a democratically elected government, with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the first beneficiary of that decision,” he said.
The Senate President further emphasized the significance of Abdulsalami’s role in restoring democratic institutions, particularly the legislature, which is often dissolved under military administrations.
“During military rule, the Executive and Judiciary are always intact. It is the legislature that is usually suspended. That is why we have to celebrate you for restoring democracy within the shortest possible time,” he said.
Akpabio also described Abdulsalami’s emergence as Nigeria’s leader in 1998 as divinely ordained, saying his brief but impactful tenure altered the course of the nation’s history.
“Your emergence as Head of State in 1998 was a fulfilment of God’s plans for you. You were destined to lead Nigeria and no one could change it,” he remarked.
He prayed for continued good health and longevity for the former military ruler and commended him for documenting his experiences and thoughts in the books unveiled at the event.
The Senate President said the publications would serve as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical records and provide future generations with valuable insights into the country’s democratic journey.
“Nigerians yet unborn will forever be grateful for what you did on that fateful day,” Akpabio added.
Abdulsalami, who assumed office following the death of former Head of State Sani Abacha in June 1998, oversaw a swift transition programme that culminated in the inauguration of a civilian government on May 29, 1999, marking the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
