On the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua yesterday, President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged to follow in the footsteps of the man many Nigerians acknowledge as one of the country’s best leaders ever.
In a tribute to the deceased, Tinubu described him as a good friend that would never be forgotten.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute to him.
In his tribute entitled ‘We’ll Never Forget You’, the President-elect hailed Yar’Adua’s contribution to Nigeria’s democracy, and said he was prepared to follow the example.
He said: “Today, as always, I remember my good friend and brother in the struggle for democracy and good governance in Nigeria, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died on this day 13 years ago.
“5th May 2010 may have long gone, but for some of us, the wound is still fresh. We remember the day as much as we remember the purposeful life lived by Mallam Umaru Yar’Adua.
“As a friend and political associate, I cherish the fond memories of honesty, steadfastness, patriotism, and excellence in public service left behind by the late Yar’Adua both as governor of Katsina State (1999 to 2007) and president of Nigeria (2007 to 2010).
“As I prepare to take the reins of leadership of this country on May 29, I am determined to follow the good examples set by leaders like Mallam Umaru Yar’Adua who showcased an exceptional sense of propriety and selfless service to our dear country.
“Rest on, dear brother. May your soul continue to find peace with your Maker. Amen”.
Among other accomplishments, Yar’Adua set up a committee on electoral reforms shortly after he assumed office. It was headed by a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Uwais.
The committee recommended far-reaching measures to improve the electoral process and environment; strengthen the legal frameworks and enhance the independence of the electoral body.
The committee also made recommendations to improve the performance of various institutions and stakeholders such as the legislature, judiciary, executive, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, media, and Nigerian citizens in the electoral process.
The administration accepted over 90 per cent of the recommendations and took immediate steps to implement some of them.
Yar’Adua also came into office with what ‘The Seven Point + Two Special Interest issues Agenda for Nigeria’ aimed at tackling the nation’s basic problems.
Top on the agenda was his planned reform of the power and energy sector. He declared a national emergency on energy and power supply and sought to increase the power supply to 10,000 megawatts by 2011 and 50,000 by 2015.
Others were infrastructure, food security, wealth creation, transport, land reforms, security, and education.
On Twitter, Atiku said of the late President: “President Yar’Adua was a beacon of humility and integrity, acknowledging the shortcomings of the very election that brought him to power in 2007.
“His ability to recognise and strive for improvements in Nigeria’s electoral system speaks volumes about his character and his devotion to the nation.
“Despite the illness that eventually claimed his life, President Yar’Adua continued to fight for a better Nigeria, initiating a correcting process and setting a path for future leaders to follow. His enduring legacy is a testament to his passion for democracy and justice”.
Yar’Adua succeeded President Olusegun Obasanjo on 29th May 2007, but died on 5th May 2010, a year before completing his first term.
Given Yar’Adua prolonged ailment, the National Assembly had to empower the then Vice President Jonathan to serve as acting President on 9th February 2010. Jonathan was sworn-in as President when Yar’Adua died three months later.
Yar’Adua had served as governor of Katsina State between 1999 and 2007.
