President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a suitable parcel of land in Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre (AAARC).
Tinubu gave the directive on Saturday during the public presentation of three books, Call of Duty, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa, held in honour of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), who marked his 84th birthday anniversary.
Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the centre aligns with the values promoted by Abdulsalami throughout his public service.
“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.
“In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the Federal Capital Territory for the development of the Centre and the advancement of its mission,” he said.
Tinubu praised the former Head of State for his role in Nigeria’s return to democracy, describing him as a leader who promoted peace, national unity and democratic stability.
He said Abdulsalami’s decision to hand over power to an elected civilian government in 1999 created the foundation for the country’s longest uninterrupted democratic period.
The president said Abdulsalami’s transition programme that returned the country from military rule to civilian democracy influenced his return to participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Abdulsalami took power after the death of military dictator, Sani Abacha, and promised to hand over power to an elected civilian government.
The programme led to the establishment of a timetable for elections, the creation of political parties, the drafting of a new constitution, and the eventual transfer of power on May 29, 1999.
“Like many pro-democracy activists of that era, I returned to participate in the democratic process because I was convinced of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s sincerity and determination to restore constitutional rule.
“He kept his word and, as a result, helped steady the ship of state, preserved national cohesion, and guided our country safely towards democracy. For that service, generations of Nigerians will remain in his debt. Yet his contribution did not end with his departure from office,” Tinubu said.
He described Abdulsalami’s life as one defined by duty, moderation, courage and commitment to public service.
“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 President said.
The event was attended by former leaders including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former South African President Thabo Mbeki, and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio.
In his remarks, Abdulsalami thanked Tinubu and Shettima for supporting the commemorative event.
He recalled that he assumed leadership in 1998 when Nigeria faced uncertainty and supervised the transition to civilian rule within 11 months.
He urged Nigerians and other stakeholders to continue promoting peace, justice and national unity.
