The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has paid glowing tribute to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar who turns 71 years old on Thursday, describing the former Nigerian leader as the father of the nation’s democracy.
Forum Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu expressed the forum’s birthday wishes in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo.
The forum said at 71, General Abdulsalami has remained the reference point on good governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution, not only in Nigeria but the world over.
The statement said the forum is proud of General Abdulsalami’s landmark achievements and remarkable leadership qualities which he has wonderfully exhibited in accelerating the growth and development of Nigeria and the African continent as a whole.
It made reference to the former leader’s dogged commitment to the nation’s democracy, as symbolized by the handing over of power to democratically elected civilian government in 1999.
“We are equally proud of General Abdulsalami as our ambassador of peace beyond Niger State and Nigeria, especially his intervention as the head of the United Nations Missions to Congo Kinshasa in the year 2000, Sudan and Chad in 2004 and the restoration of peace in those countries,” the statement added.
The forum prayed God to grant General Abdulsalami excellent health, courage and many more years of selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.
