“Crowd Erupts As Obasanjo Tells Abdulsalami: ‘Gowon And I Won’t Be Here When You Turn 100

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has humorously remarked that he may not be around to witness General Abdulsalami Abubakar celebrate his 100th birthday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obasanjo made the comment in Abuja during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa held to mark Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday and the unveiling of three books published in his honour, including his autobiography, Call of Duty.

Speaking in a jovial mood, the former president congratulated Abdulsalami and expressed confidence that he would enjoy a long life.

“Congratulations. You will attain 90, and I will be there. You will attain 100, but General Gowon and I may not be around,” Obasanjo said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, Obasanjo praised the contributions of several former military leaders, acknowledging that while they were not without faults, their roles were instrumental in shaping the nation.

According to him, leaders such as General Yakubu Gowon, the late General Murtala Muhammed, the late Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar made significant sacrifices and contributions that helped lay the foundation for modern Nigeria.

“They were not perfect human beings and they made mistakes, but their contributions were invaluable to the Nigeria we have today,” he stated.

Obasanjo noted that he was specifically referring to military leaders whose impact he personally witnessed throughout Nigeria’s political evolution.

He also described Abdulsalami as a pivotal figure in the country’s democratic journey, recalling his leadership in stabilising Nigeria and overseeing the transition to civilian rule following the death of General Sani Abacha in 1998.