I’m very happy that I laid the foundation & bedrock for democracy in Nigeria – Abdulsalami

Abdulsalami Abubakar, former military head of state, says he is happy his administration laid the bedrock for Nigeria’s democracy.

Abdulsalami spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the public presentation of a book, ‘Celebrating 100 Years of Political Party Evolution in Nigeria — The Imperatives of Nigeria’s Political Stability: Issues and Solutions’, by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

Represented by Abdulrasheed Aliyu, a retired general, Abubakar said democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.

“I am happy that my government, as the then military head of state, ushered in this era of democracy when I handed over power to the elected president on 29th May 1999.

“My government laid this solid foundation for democratic governance. It also shows that when leaders are patriotic, passionate, resolute and unwavering in building strong democratic structures and institutions, democracy can flourish and yield its dividends to citizens.

“There is no substitute to the government of the people, by the people and for the people, which democracy represents as sovereignty resides with the people,” he said.

“We should, therefore, keep watering and nurturing the tree of democracy as there is no alternative to civil rule. Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces and survived. It is a testament to citizens belief and resilience in representative governance.”

Abubakar was sworn in as head of state following the death of Sani Abacha in June 1998.

He was Nigeria’s last military leader. Abubakar handed over power to democratically elected Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, keeping his promise of returning the country to civilian rule.

Abubakar commended IPAC for the “foresight in articulating and writing this historic book” on 100 years of political party evolution in Nigeria, saying it is a milestone in the nation’s democratic process.

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