LAUNCHING OF STATEWIDE CRACKDOWN ON VEHICLES WITH COVERED, UNAUTHORIZED OR MISSING REGISTRATION PLATES. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.
TEXT OF THE ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 84TH BIRTHDAY AND BOOK LAUNCH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, GEN. ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR GCFR AT THE BANQUET HALL, PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA, JUNE 13, 2026. VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA DELIVERED THE SPEECH ON THE PRESIDENT’S BEHALF
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I am deeply delighted to be here among eminent personalities, gathered from far and near, to honour His Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, one of Nigeria's most outstanding and courageous leaders---a true statesman, a soldier-democrat, a passionate bridge-builder, a dependable patriot and a noble gentleman---on this joyous occasion of his 84th birthday and public presentation of three important books.
These books capture the essence of General Abubakar: his life, his work as a soldier and leader, and his contributions to the promotion and sustenance of democracy, peace, and development, not only in Nigeria but in Africa and beyond.
The significance of the man we are honouring justifies the presence of all the leaders gathered here today, including His Excellency President Julius Maada Wonie Bio, President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, and the keynote speaker, President Thabo Mbeki, former President of South Africa.
No honour is too great for Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. You deserve all the accolades bestowed upon you today. This gathering is not only a celebration of your 84th birthday but also an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on your legacy and pivotal role in shaping Nigeria's democratic landscape and peace-building efforts in Africa.
At a critical juncture in Nigeria's political history, Gen. Abubakar, by providence, assumed leadership amid uncertainty and apprehension. He made a solemn commitment to restore democratic governance and, despite immense challenges, fulfilled his promise within 11 months, a record in Nigeria's transition history. He didn't prolong the transition to civil rule but handed over power on schedule, choosing honour and integrity over the allure of power.
It is on record, General, that you placed the love of country above personal interests and gains. You superintended over a transition that gave birth to the ongoing Fourth Republic in 1999, the most enduring democratic era in Nigeria's history. You demonstrated vision, integrity and selflessness, ensuring that democratic institutions were not only restored, but also strengthened.
On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you immensely for your service and sacrifice. We owe this enduring democratic era to you.
As a beneficiary of your political transition programme, I must recall your pragmatic efforts that made what seemed impossible possible. At that time, many pro-democracy
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