President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), as the elder statesman marks his 83rd birthday, commending him for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s return to democratic rule and his lifelong commitment to peace and national stability.
In a statement he signed yesterday, President Tinubu hailed the retired general as “a patriot of uncommon integrity,” recalling his courageous decision to lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition from military to civilian governance in 1999.
“I celebrate the 83rd birthday of former Head of State and elder statesman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd),” President Tinubu said. “I salute him for his decades of exceptional service to Nigeria, both in uniform and in retirement, and commend his steadfast commitment to peace, stability, and good governance across the African continent.”
General Abubakar, who assumed office as head of state in June 1998 following the death of General Sani Abacha, is widely celebrated for organising elections and transferring power to a democratically elected civilian administration led by President Olusegun Obasanjo in May 1999 — a defining moment that ushered in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Describing that historic transition as a “watershed moment,” President Tinubu noted that Abdulsalami’s selfless handover of power not only restored constitutional democracy in Nigeria but also set a lasting example of statesmanship and national duty.
“As chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abubakar has continued to play a significant role in promoting dialogue, defusing tension, and ensuring credible electoral processes in Nigeria,” the president added.
He further praised the former leader for remaining a steady voice of “moderation, reason, and statesmanship” amid challenging times, stressing the importance of such leadership in preserving Nigeria’s unity and democratic progress.
“His service inspires generations of Nigerians in public life,” President Tinubu said, noting that the nation remains grateful for his wisdom, sacrifices, and unyielding devotion to the cause of peace.
The president concluded his message with warm wishes for the retired general: “I wish the former head of state continued strength, good health, and divine grace in the years ahead.”
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