Akpabio commends Abdulsalami for resisting pressure to extend military rule

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has paid glowing tribute to former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, describing his decision to hand over power to a democratically elected government in 1999 as a selfless act that restored democratic governance and laid the foundation for the country’s current legislative institutions.

Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday during the public presentation of three books in honour of Abdulsalami and the celebration of his 84th birthday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Senate President’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly remain among the greatest beneficiaries of Abdulsalami’s decision to relinquish power and return the country to democratic rule on May 29, 1999.

Addressing the former military leader, Akpabio expressed gratitude on behalf of lawmakers across the country, noting that Abdulsalami’s commitment to his transition timetable helped restore democratic structures at both the federal and state levels after years of 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,” he said.

The Senate President revealed that lawmakers were planning a special event to honour the former Head of State for what he described as an extraordinary demonstration of patriotism, integrity and commitment to democratic governance.

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“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 who urged you to extend your tenure,” Akpabio stated.

He recalled that Abdulsalami faced intense pressure from individuals who wanted him to prolong military rule by extending the transition period, but commended him for resisting such calls and keeping faith with the Nigerian people.

“I salute your courage and sacrifice because you did not allow yourself to be misled by those who wanted you to postpone the handover date by one year, six months or three months. If you had changed your mind under that pressure, nobody would likely have challenged you. But as a man of integrity and with the fear of God, you ignored those suggestions and kept your promise,” he said.

Akpabio noted that Abdulsalami’s decision ultimately paved the way for the emergence of a democratically elected government led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, marking the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

The Senate President further emphasized the importance of the legislature in democratic governance, pointing out that legislative institutions are often the first casualties of military rule.

“During military administrations, the Executive and Judiciary often remain intact, but the Legislature is usually suspended. That is why members of the National and State Assemblies have every reason to celebrate and honour you for restoring democracy within such a short period,” he said.

Reflecting on Abdulsalami’s emergence as Nigeria’s leader in 1998, Akpabio described it as a fulfilment of divine destiny, stating that his leadership came at a critical moment in the nation’s history.

“Your emergence as Head of State in 1998 was a fulfilment of God’s plan for your life. You were destined to lead Nigeria at that crucial time, and no one could have altered that destiny,” he remarked.

The Senate President also commended the former military ruler for documenting his experiences and thoughts in published works, saying the books would serve as valuable historical records for future generations.

“Thank you for putting your thoughts into writing for Nigerians and for enriching our history. Nigerians yet unborn will continue to appreciate the role you played on that historic day when you handed over power and restored democratic governance,” Akpabio added.

Abdulsalami, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1998 to 1999, is widely credited with overseeing one of the country’s most successful democratic transitions, culminating in the transfer of power to a civilian administration after years of military rule.