Time to break cycle of instability and mistrust - Gen Abubakar's last address to Nigerians

Being Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar's address to the nation, on the eve of the hand-over of government and inauguration of the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

I thank the Almighty God that I am able to address you today. This will be my last address to you as Head of State, Commander-in-Chief
of the Armed Forces. But it is especially gratifying, that it should take place on the eve of a great national triumph. In a matter of hours, the inauguration of a democratically elected president, would have been held. And the process of restoration of civil rule to our beloved country would have been completed.

Even though the time has been short, we have, indeed, come a long
way. The event that we are about to celebrate, represents for us,
profound achievement. When others doubted us, we knew we would come
through. Together as Nigerians, diverse but one, united and sharing
the same vision to this present height. Our success attests to our
indomitable and resolute will and unswerving faith in the promise of
our future that is limitless. It is this strong sense of who we are;
it is this determination to move this country forward, that indicates,
more than anything else, that the dream of a great Nigeria, secure
of its place in an increasingly competitive world, is truly within
our grasp.

My fellow Nigerians, you may recall the fateful event that thrust
the leadership of our nation on me, in June last year. Prior to that
tragic event, our country was in the depth of despair. We were
buffeted from within, by divisions and a frightening uncertainity
about the direction we were headed. From the outside world, our
country faced near total isolation, even from traditional friends and
allies.

Thus, from the moment of its inception, this administration was
faced with immediate, clear and grave challenges. We accepted the
challenge. We accepted our responsibility, even though we recognised
that time, resources and profound distrust were major constraints.
Even in those difficult times, service to the nation was, to us, a
matter of honour and privilege.

In my first major address to the nation on 20th July 1998, I set out
the administration's broad policy agenda. We were determined to open
up the political process and return our country to democratic rule in
the shortest possible time. We were determined to put in place,
measures that would lead to the social and economic regeneration of
the country. We were determined to foster dialogue and national
reconciliation among our peoples. We were particularly determined
that the civil liberties and the human rights of our citizens would
receive our fullest attention.

On the external front, we committed ourselves to re-establish
relations with all nations, on the basis of equality and mutual
respect. We were determined that Nigeria should regain its
traditional pride of place in the comity of nations.

My fellow Nigerians, our approach to governance has been marked by
accountability, transparency and openness. Equally, it has been
marked by a willingness to listen to all views and shades of opinion.
Thus, broad consultations with the citizens of this country, preceded
the transition programme which we carefully formulated. This
reflected our determination that the political process should be
democratic and all-inclusive.

It was important that the institutions that would manage the process,
should not only be independent but must be seen to be so. We,
therefore, established the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) and insulated it from any interference. We gave it all the
resources that it required to ensure its integrity and the
credibility of its actions. INEC has been truly independent, in words
and in deed. I am proud that it has justified the confidence of our
people. We are proud that its performance has brought honour and
respect for our country.

It was equally important that the political parties themselves,
should evolve from the people, reflecting their hopes and aspirations
for a strong, virile and united country. The Administration's only
interest lay in ensuring an even playing field for all who aspired to
lead the nation at all levels. Our predominant concern, was to ensure
the unity of our country. This was our resolve and no more.

All we asked for, was your trust, as well as your co-operation. We
wanted you to give us a chance. And you did. With your wise counsel
and overwhelming support, the administration mapped its political
programme, with a promise to have a democratically-elected president
sworn-in on 29th May, 1999. I am grateful to you all that you have
made this possible.

My fellow Nigerians, right from the start, the administration took
steps that would help create an environment in which democracy could
thrive. In opening up the political process, we promised to release
all political detainees and others convicted of political offences.
We did so.

We promised to drop all politically-related charges against our
countrymen on self-exile. We did so. We urged them to return home,
guaranteeing them safe and unmolested return. And they did so. We
promised to abrogate legal provisions and statues that inhibited
political debate and interaction. Again, we did so. We promised to
protect freedom of speech. We did so. We sought to expand the
boundaries and the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The administration also fully kept its word on this.

In this respect, I am happy to say that during its valedictory
session held on the 26th May, 1999, the PRC approved the
consequential repeal or amendment of existing decrees, whose tenors
are incompatible with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Among
the decrees repealed is Decree No.2 of 1984. Similarly, the Failed
Bank Decree No 18, has been amended to transfer the jurisdiction of
the existing tribunals to the Federal High Court, which has
constitutional authority to adjudicate over these matters.

Fellow Nigerians, while the country's political situation, naturally,
was a primary focus of the administration's attention, we also
recognised the serious economic and social problems which we faced.
We, therefore, took steps to upgrade and modernise our
infrastructures and public facilities.

The objective was to provide an environment in which the economy
could profitably receive and utilise investments. In order to ensure
effective management of our external debts, we entered into dialogue
with the creditor countries and relevant multilateral financial
institutions. To remove distortions in the allocation of foreign
exchange, we eliminated the dual exchange rate of the naira. We
believe that this was necessary for serious and long-term investments
in the country.

We re-examined the legal framework guiding the operations of the
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). We made amendments that have
strengthened the autonomy of the nation's apex bank.

This, we have done, out of conviction that an Independent Central
Bank would be better placed to provide more efficient management of
our monetary policies. We also divested the Central Bank of its
commercial banking operations. The aim is to strengthen its
supervisory and oversight role, in relation to the operation of other
banks and financial institutions in the country.

While some of our economic policies and actions were designed to
bring medium and long term relief to the nation, our salaries and
wages policy was intended to bring immediate financial relief to
workers. Despite the regrettable reaction that the implementation of
the policy generated, the administration stands by the honest
principle that informed its decision to review salaries and wages
upward.

Still on the economic front, we did our best to turn-around the oil
industry as the engine of development. For a long time, we went
through the pains of long queues at petrol stations. This was truly
embarrassing, but you demonstrated exemplary patience. Happily, the
situation has since vastly improved. Not only have the queues
shortened considerably, it is gladdening to note that all the four
refineries in the country, have resumed production.

On the socio-political and economic fronts, we have endeavoured to
do our best, given the enormous constraints which we faced. Never in
the history of this nation, was an administration expected to do so
much in so short a period. Nevertheless, with your unflinching
support and cooperation, we are satisfied that we have made our
contributions, however modest, in moving our country forward.

But we recognise that there is still much distance to cover. We
recognise that there is still a lot to be done, for instance, in the
area of continuing rehabilitation and maintenance of our
infrastructures; in the area of fighting crimes and poverty; in the
area of promoting social justice and in the area of modernising our
industries and revamping our economy.

My fellow Nigerians, a key objective of our foreign policy in the
last one year, has been the re-integration of Nigeria into the
mainstream of international affairs. We have done this, by
cultivating new friends, while retaining old friends and development
partners. I am pleased to state, in this regard, that we have
achieved considerable success. Out of a state of near-total isolation,
Nigeria is, once again, a proud and respected member of the
international community.

Our relations with the United States and major countries of the
world, have never been better. Our misunderstanding with the
Commonwealth has been resolved, with the lifting of suspension from
the association. Our relations with the European Union are being
restored to their traditionally robust state. The European Union has
lifted most of the sanctions it imposed on our country

For the past three years, Nigeria has been the subject to criticism
at the United Nations' Commission for Human Rights in Geneva. This is
no longer the case. Indeed, only this April, the mandate of the
Special Country Rapporteur, charged with monitoring and investigating
the situation of human rights in Nigeria, was terminated. This is in
recognition of our achievements in the area of human rights. What is
more, as vote of confidence, Nigeria has been elected member of the
commission.

Within the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of developing
countries (G-15), our voice is once again heard, loud and clear. I
participated at the 12th NAM Summit in Durban, South Africa and the
9th Summit of the G-15, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, as a demonstration
of our commitment to South-South co-operation and solidarity.

We have remained firm and resolute in our commitment to the peace,
security and stability of our sub-region. In the process, we have
made sacrifices and called on our resources in men and materials. We
have willingly done so, not only because it is the right thing to do,
as good neighbours, but also because it is in our enlightened self
interest. A sub-region that is at peace and thriving, is in the
interest of our economic growth and stability.

Fellow Nigerians, at this unique moment in our national history, it
is only right, that I should say a word or two to the officers, men
and women of our Armed Forces and Police.

Yours, has been a noble calling and you have performed gloriously.
You have played important roles in the life of our nation. In moments
of great national crises, you have been the anchor on which the very
survival of our fatherland had rested. You have been in the forefront
in forging and defending the unity of our nation. And, at times, you
have paid the supreme sacrifices for your endeavours and in the
performance of duty. I commend you. The nation commends you for your
bravery and patriotism.

Abroad, you equally have projected a proud image of our nation
through your exemplary and active participation in peace-keeping
operations in the sub-region, Africa and in many parts of the world.
You are, indeed, first rate peace-keepers and peace makers. But, just
as we work for peace in our sub-region and in the world, we also must
be ready to meet any threats to our nation's security. You must
continue to be the guarantors of our security and peace through
commitment to professionalism.

Now, therefore, is the time for the military to return to its
constitutional role of defending the country's territorial integrity
and sovereignty. We must, forever, resist and renounce the seduction
and temptation of political power and office. We must subject
ourselves completely to civil authority. This is a sacred duty to
which we must bind ourselves. It is our best guarantee to earn and
retain the respect of our people. it is also your best chance for
earning the approbation of the rest of a fast, changing world, in
which new political and social values are transcendent.

Fellow Nigerians, every segment of our society has a vital role to
play, as we face the daunting challenges of national integration and
development. Whether as members of the media, the judiciary, the
private sector, the clergy, or as public servants, academics, youths
and, indeed, as plain ordinary Nigerians, we have a role to play in
the building of this country. All hands must be on deck. We must not
allow any dichotomy between the rulers and the people.

I challenge all Nigerians, irrespective of what we are and who we
are, not to abandon the values and traditions around which our
rebirth will be attained and sustained. I challenge all of us to
continue to show fidelity to and rededicate ourselves to those values,
of honour, courage, right conduct and belief in family and God, on
which our society and republic are built. We must remember too, that
it is how honest and principled we are, that will determine whether
Nigeria attains that true greatness for which we all yearn.

My fellow Nigerians, today we are at the dawn of a new and exciting
era. To us all, beckons the historic opportunity to break, once and
for all, the cycle of instability and mistrust that have wracked our
political life since independence. In this enterprise, our
politicians who are taking over the reins of government, have a vital
role to play. On them, devolve the duty and responsibility of making
a success of our collective efforts.

Our constitution which has just been promulgated, is the embodiment
of our yearnings for democratic governance, under the rule of law.
They must, in word and deed, make it work. I am confident that they
will not betray the hopes and aspirations of our people. I am
confident that they will be agents of dialogue and national unity. I
am confident that they can rise to this challenge. I am confident
that they will be bridges of understanding and, with consummate skill,
help to conciliate the varying viewpoints in the country.

There is nothing wrong in having differences. It is how we manage
the differences that is important. Democracy, it must be said, is not
a gathering of people with the same views. It is not about uniformity
of ideas, about the governance of the state. Democracy is about the
resolution of differences that exist in society, in such a manner,
that the state retains its focus and strength and is able to move
forward to attain greater heights. Democracy is about working for the
people and respecting their will and the rights of others. Democracy
is about accountability, about decency and elevating conduct. That is
what democracy is all about.

My fellow Nigerians, in the next few hours, the ceremony heralding
the return of democratic and constitutional rule in our country, will
take place. But we must also understand that democratisation, as a
process, is a continuous and unfinished business. It is a journey,
not a destination that has been reached.

In this next phase of the journey, we will be led, happily for the
nation, by an experienced, patriotic and tested man. He had, in an
earlier era, after assumming the leadership of this nation, readily
bequeathed it, in that democratic spirit. We are fortunate that, at
this critical point in our history, providence has again entrusted to
him, the stewardship of our country. No country can ask for more.

While we turn-over the running of our nation to a new crop of
leaders, it remains for me to wish them the very best. But, I cannot
end this address without paying tribute to those dedicated men and
women who served with me during the brief period. I pay tribute to
those who served in visible positions of government. I also pay
deserved tribute to all those who served behind the scene, giving us
support and encouragement at every stage.

But above all, I wish to pay special tribute to you, the ordinary
men and women of this country, who gave your unflinching support that
enabled us to achieve the little that has made it possible to turn-
around the fortune of our nation.

While I say good-bye to you, my fellow Nigerians, I wish you the
best and I wish our country continued peace and prosperity. Our best
days are yet to come.

Thank you and God bless Nigeria.