Obasanjo Teases Abdulsalami: “I And Gowon May Not Be Alive When You Hit 100

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has humorously remarked that he may not be alive to witness General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 100th birthday celebration.

According to Ireporter Online, Obasanjo made the statement in Abuja during an event held at the Presidential Villa to mark Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday and the public presentation of three books written in his honour, including his autobiography titled Call of Duty.

Speaking in a light-hearted tone, the former president congratulated Abdulsalami and expressed hope that he would live long enough to reach 90, before joking that he and former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, might not be around for the centenary celebration.

“Congratulations. You will reach 90, and I will be there. You will reach 100. I and General Gowon will not be there,” Obasanjo said, a comment that drew laughter from dignitaries at the event.

Obasanjo also used the occasion to reflect on the roles of past military leaders in shaping Nigeria’s history, noting that despite their imperfections, they made significant contributions to the nation’s development.

He mentioned figures such as General Yakubu Gowon, the late General Murtala Muhammed, the late Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, describing them as key actors in Nigeria’s political evolution.

According to him, while none of them were perfect, their collective efforts helped lay the foundation for modern Nigeria.

The former president further clarified that his remarks were specifically directed at military leaders, emphasizing his personal experience with their influence on the country’s political journey.

He also praised Abdulsalami Abubakar for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s return to democracy, recalling his leadership following the death of General Sani Abacha in 1998, which helped stabilize the nation’s transition process.