Abububakar: The Democracy General Turns 70, Preaches Perseverance and Hope

It was a special day yesterday for former military head of state, General Abdulsalam Abubakar. It was the day he turned 70, and that graceful age came with lots of uncommon privileges for many people in Minna. For the first time in a very long time, the gates of the infantry general’s compound were thrown open and everybody, almost, could stroll in and out of the large premises, without harassment or questioning from the platoon of fierce-looking soldiers that usually guarded the premises. 

 Not even the fear of Boko Haram prompted a more circumspect reception for guests the invited and the uninvited. All the soldiers did was ask a few basic questions to confirm the mission of the visitors without the usual inquisitive drill for unknown guests. Dressing well and responsibly was somewhat another measure of acceptability at the gate. The fact also that Gen Abubakar was a more reserved military leader made the crowd management easier for the security men. Even at that, aside the odd adverts here and there in the papers, the usual glitz and panache that come with such celebrations were absent. 

It was essentially a special prayer session, both for the celebrant and the nation. The prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Federal University of Technology, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed. In attendance were Alhaji Umaru Ndanusa, former National President of NACIMMA, Senator Zaynab Kure and the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Jummai Babangida Aliyu. Explaining why the ceremony was kept that tame, Abubakar said it was low-key because he initially did not want any celebration as he had never celebrated a birthday since he was born. 

But because his children and grand children insisted on celebrating it, by sponsoring 150 patients with cataract for operations last Saturday and then a prayer session for him, he said he had no option than to allow them to have their way. Abubakar, who ushered Nigeria into the present democratic dispensation on May 29, 1999, after succeeding the late Gen. Sani Abacha, as military head of state, urged Nigerians not to be deterred by the various challenges facing the country, saying the Boko Haram insurgency and other national challenges were not insurmountable. 

“We cannot fold our hands and let things get worse because as a nation, we need to keep trying to find a solution to the problems facing the country," he said. Abubakar’s quest for democracy made him commit his government to a quick handover to a democratically-elected government, in a bid not to only restore peace in the country, but also to restore whatever that was left of the military’s dignity as an institution. The successful transition supervised by Abubakar has since stood him out as a national and international statesman. He has held the post of special UN ambassador on elections in several countries. 

The former head of state, who spoke to media men after the special prayer session held at his hill top residence in Minna yesterday, encouraged Nigerians not to give up, adding that there are problems all over the world. “The whole world is full of problems and challenges. It is happening all over the world and not only Nigeria. I know that here, we will all say we have Boko Haram; we have kidnappers and what have you; yes we do have them. But we should not fold our hands and throw our hands into the air and let things go. “We should keep trying and praying that those misguided elements will give peace a chance. Nigeria is not the only country ridden with poverty and economic problems," he said. 

 The general, however, implored politicians to take politics as a game of give-and-take, urging them to imbibe the ideals of the late Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim, the apostle of “politics without bitterness”, stating that politicians cannot win all the time. “People should give whoever is elected support, so that the nation can move forward," he added. He admitted, nonetheless, that the last general election was fraught with irregularities, but called for prayer and cooperation of all Nigerians, predicting that the nation would come out stronger after the 2015 polls. He also appealed to politicians not to overheat the polity in preparation for the 2015 general election, advising that both the politicians and the electorate should give peace a chance, so that the elections could be conducted peacefully. Asked if he had any regrets, he said: “I have no regrets in the last 70 years and I thank God. By His grace, He has lifted me to the highest level somebody can attain and I thank God. 

 “I am 70 years old today; I am married with children and grandchildren. They are the ones who organised this prayer session. I am very proud of my family. I thank all of them. Sincerely I have no regrets.” Eulogising her husband, Justice Fati Abdulsalami Abubakar, who hosted women to a separate session, said it was a privilege to have the celebrant as her husband in the last 40 years, describing him as an asset to the country. Niger State Governor, Dr. Mua'zu Babangida Aliyu, and members of his cabinet also paid the general a visit after they rose from the weekly council meeting at the Government House. 

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, a childhood friend of the celebrant, also presented Abubakar with a giant size Quran and described him as one of the most dedicated military officers in the country of whom the nation was proud.

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