Rawlings awards former Nigerian leader Abubakar

Accra, April 27, GNA - President Jerry John Rawlings on Thursday conferred on General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former Nigerian head of state, the Honour of Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana (Honorary Division).

President Rawlings placed a sash across the shoulders of the man who steered Africa's most populous country to democracy last year and pinned a medal on his chest, drawing applause from several dignitaries who filled the Banqueting Hall of the State House.

Present were Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the First Lady, Vice-President John Atta Mills and his wife, Council of State members, Ministers, Service Commanders and Chiefs.

Gen. Abubakar assumed leadership of Nigeria when then Head of State General Sani Abacha died suddenly. He lifted the ban on party politics, conducted a general election and handed over power on May 29 to elected President Olusegun Obasanjo.

A citation said following the death of Gen. Abacha, Nigerians had no hesitation in entrusting to Gen. Abubakar the destiny of his country. It said he restored the spirit of reconciliation, maintained the peace, security and unity of Nigeria at a most volatile moment while reinforcing the atmosphere of human rights and freedom through the early release of detainees.

"By such determined force of character, you were able to restore to its enviable position among the comity of nations within a relatively short time. "At the same time, your tireless efforts for peace and security in the West Africa sub-region as evidenced by your leadership role in restoring normalcy to Liberia, Sierra Leone and brokering the cessation of hostilities leading to peace in Guinea Bissau through the Abuja Agreement of 1st November 1998 all represent the high quality of leadership that your humility and self-effacing nature failed to obscure."

Gen. Abubakar said he did not consider the award a personal honour. "It is for the people of Nigeria who made our success possible through their co-operation and support. It was also through the support of friendly countries like Ghana."

He spoke about the volatile political situation in Nigeria at the time and said: "we had to move correctly to avoid a shipwreck. We tried to run a good race for the sake of our country".

Gen. Abubakar said the difficulties Nigeria is going through now would eventually end, adding: "This is what democracy is all about. You face challenges. It is not smooth sailing but once we are able to go through the difficulties, Nigeria will emerge strong".

He thanked Ghana for its support during Nigeria's dark days, saying: "Ghana kept us company when the rest of the world left us". He told President Rawlings: "it was an act of courage on your part".