Lawmakers Are Major Beneficiaries of Abdulsalami’s 1999 Transition — Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly are among the major beneficiaries of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s decision to return Nigeria to civilian rule in 1999.

Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the public presentation of three books written in honour of the former military ruler, as part of celebrations marking his 84th birthday.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio commended Abdulsalami for his role in overseeing Nigeria’s transition from military to democratic governance on May 29, 1999.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of my colleagues, I thank you for that patriotic action and decision you took on May 29th, 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,” he said.

Akpabio noted that the return to democracy enabled the re-establishment of legislative institutions, which had been suspended during military rule.

He praised Abdulsalami for resisting pressure from individuals who allegedly urged him to extend military rule beyond the transition date, describing his decision to hand over power as an act of courage and integrity.

“Had you changed your mind due to that pressure, nobody would have challenged you. But as a man of integrity, you kept your promise and handed over to a democratically elected government,” Akpabio added.

He also commended the former Head of State for documenting his experiences in an autobiography, saying it would enrich Nigeria’s political history for future generations.

According to him, Abdulsalami’s leadership in 1998–1999 was “destined” and pivotal to Nigeria’s democratic survival, adding that Nigerians yet unborn would continue to appreciate his contribution to nation-building.

Abdulsalami Abubakar assumed power following the death of General Sani Abacha in 1998 and supervised Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule, culminating in the election of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.