Former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar said on Saturday that the pursuit of peace has been his “core mission” since he handed over power to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.
Abubakar spoke at celebrations marking his 84th birthday and the launch of three new books, including his autobiography.
He recalled becoming head of state on June 8, 1998, following the death of Sani Abacha, and pledged during his tenure to end rule by decree and restore democratic governance. True to that promise, his administration oversaw the transition that returned Nigeria to civilian rule on May 29, 1999, when power was transferred to Obasanjo.
“As I have often said, and I quote again: ‘Leadership is not about power but about responsibility, and the best way to lead, the best way to live, is to serve with integrity,’” Abubakar said. “This was not just a political but a moral imperative to set our nation on the path of stability, unity and progress.”
He said stepping down from public office did not mean stepping away from national service. “The pursuit of peace has always been at the core of my mission, recognising that no nation can truly survive without peace,” he said.
Abubakar highlighted several post‑service initiatives, including the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies, which he described as “a hub for research, dialogue and strategic engagement on conflict resolution, mediation and nation‑building in Nigeria and across Africa.” He also spoke about plans for the Isla Omouukka Resource Centre in Abuja.
He credited the National Peace Committee, which he once chaired, with playing a significant role in advancing credible and peaceful elections through dialogue, advocacy and engagement with political actors, civil society and security agencies.
“As the saying goes, and I quote again: ‘Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice,’” Abubakar added, saying that conviction continues to guide his efforts to foster dialogue and reconciliation across the country.
