‘With assault rifles around you, it took courage to say no to power,’ Jonathan hails Abdulsalami’s democratic legacy
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has praised former military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing him as the key figure behind the stability of the country’s democracy.
Jonathan spoke on Saturday in Abuja during the public presentation of three books published in honour of Abdulsalami on the occasion of his 84th birthday.
Abdulsalami led Nigeria as military head of state from June 9, 1998, to May 29, 1999, before handing over to an elected civilian administration headed by Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to Jonathan, the retired general deserves recognition for choosing democratic transition at a time when many leaders might have clung to power.
“With so many well-ironed khaki people around you with assault rifles and APCs, saying that we will still stay on and for you to have the courage to say no, it takes somebody who has a common commitment to the peace and progress of the country,” he said.
Jonathan described Abdulsalami as a statesman whose impact extends beyond the office he once occupied, adding that his life reflects “humility in leadership, patriotism in service, and wisdom in statesmanship.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic development, Jonathan maintained that no one had contributed more to stabilising democracy in the country than Abdulsalami.
“But if there is anybody that we can give credit to who has stabilised democracy in Nigeria today is General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the military head of state,” he said.
He also contrasted Abdulsalami’s actions with those of another former leader who, according to him, refused to relinquish power after being persuaded by his wife.
“I know of a president that at the critical time to leave because of certain circumstances and the wife just said no, we are not going,” Jonathan said.
“And he came in and the rest is a very ugly history. We must commend Abdulsalami Abubakar.”
Jonathan described the celebrant as a “distinguished national leader,” stressing that the occasion was about more than marking another birthday.
“But this is not merely a celebration of age. It’s a celebration of a lifetime devotion to the service of our nation and humanity,” he said.
He added that the event’s theme, “Legacy of the statesman,” aptly reflected Abdulsalami’s enduring contributions, noting that true legacy is measured by values, institutions and lives impacted rather than years lived.
Jonathan further recalled how Abdulsalami displayed “uncommon courage and selflessness” by overseeing Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule at a critical moment in the nation’s history.
“At a defining moment in our nation’s history, he demonstrated uncommon courage and selflessness by guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition that restored democratic governance and renewed hope in the future of her country,” he said.
The former president also commended Abdulsalami’s continued role in promoting peace and democratic stability through the National Peace Committee, highlighting his interventions in conflict resolution and election-related matters.
“He has continued to advocate for peace, peaceful elections, as well as intervene in conflict resolutions and nation-building initiatives. And some of his activities were even during when I was in office, so I knew what he did, especially in Sudan,” Jonathan said.
He noted that the launch of the three books would help preserve history, document leadership lessons and inspire future generations.
“As we celebrate General Abdulsalami today, we are reminded that nations are built not only by policies and institutions, but also by the character of those who lead them,” he said.
“His life offers enduring lessons in integrity, humility, patriotism, and commitment to national service.”