Presidential Tribute & Legacy: Abdulsalami Abubakar's Autobiography Unveiled, Hailed for Guiding Nigeria Through Turbulent Times

President Bola Tinubu has pledged significant federal backing for the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre in Abuja, a commitment announced through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 84th birthday celebration of former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar. The federal government will provide a large expanse of land along the Airport Road corridor within the Federal Capital Territory and fund the construction of the facility. President Tinubu described the proposed centre as a fitting tribute to a statesman whose legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to peace-building, democratic governance, national unity, and public service, embodying the ideals General Abdulsalami Abubakar has championed throughout his life. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been directed to allocate the land, and the architectural plans have already been reviewed and approved for government funding.

The event, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” also featured the public presentation of three books in honour of General Abdulsalami: ‘Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ with a foreword by former military President, Ibrahim Babangida; ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar’; and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,’ reviewed by Ibrahim Gambari.

President Tinubu lauded Abdulsalami Abubakar as one of the most consequential leaders in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He noted that Abdulsalami assumed office during a delicate period (June 8, 1998, to May 29, 1999) and successfully navigated Nigeria back to democratic rule after years of military governance. He distinguished himself by honouring his pledge to hand over power to a democratically elected government, prioritising national interest over personal ambition. Tinubu credited him with laying the foundation for the Fourth Republic through a successful transition programme that culminated in the handover of power in 1999, establishing Nigeria’s longest uninterrupted period of civilian rule. President Tinubu also reflected on his own political journey, stating that he, like many pro-democracy activists, returned to active politics because they trusted Abdulsalami’s sincerity and determination to restore constitutional rule.

Beyond his tenure as Head of State, Abdulsalami’s contributions to nation-building continued. President Tinubu praised his ongoing role as a mediator, peace advocate, and elder statesman, particularly through the National Peace Committee and other conflict-resolution initiatives across the African continent. He has consistently promoted dialogue, reconciliation, and responsible political engagement.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also speaking at the event, identified four former military leaders whose actions, decisions, and sacrifices were instrumental in shaping modern Nigeria: Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed, Adekunle Fajuyi, and Abdulsalami Abubakar. Obasanjo, describing himself as both an eyewitness and direct participant, argued that without their contributions, Nigeria would be markedly different today. He praised General Gowon for his mature handling of the post-1966 coup crisis, which preserved the country’s unity, and Murtala Mohammed as a transformational figure who accelerated Nigeria’s return to democratic rule. The late Adekunle Fajuyi was honoured as a symbol of loyalty and courage for refusing to abandon his guest, Head of State Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, during the July 1966 counter-coup.

Obasanjo reserved his most extensive remarks for Abdulsalami, hailing him as a patriot, nationalist, elder statesman, and peacemaker whose leadership steered Nigeria through one of its most uncertain political transitions. Abdulsalami inherited a country engulfed in confusion and uncertainty after Sani Abacha's sudden death in June 1998, navigating domestic and international pressure over human rights abuses and the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. Obasanjo recounted that one of Abdulsalami’s first actions was the release of political prisoners, including Obasanjo himself, after years of detention. He also recalled Abdulsalami keeping him informed about efforts to secure MKO Abiola’s release and the shock of Abiola’s unexpected death, praising Abdulsalami’s tact and restraint in managing the aftermath and preventing further instability.

Furthermore, Obasanjo highlighted Abdulsalami’s crucial role in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy beyond 1999. He revealed that Abdulsalami maintained regular consultations with him after Obasanjo became president, often arriving with written notes containing observations, concerns, and suggestions on national issues. Obasanjo described this as a