Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Monday called on young Nigerians to take an active role in rebuilding the nation rather than standing on the sidelines.
Speaking in Abuja at the 28th anniversary of the death of General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Abubakar stressed that the country was at a critical juncture, with challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and widespread disillusionment threatening national unity.
The memorial, themed “The Union We Hope to Become”, was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre and attended by political leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the Yar’Adua family.
Yar’Adua, who served as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters during the military regime of 1976, was regarded as the second-in-command at the time. He died in prison in 1997 while serving a life sentence over allegations of plotting a coup against then-head of state, General Sani Abacha.
Reflecting on Yar’Adua’s legacy, Abubakar urged young Nigerians to embrace his vision of a just and united country.
“You are not powerless. You cannot be spectators in your nation’s story. You must be the authors, dreamers, doers, and builders of a new Nigeria,” he said.
He encouraged youths to act with determination rather than anger, emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength.
Abubakar described Yar’Adua as a mentor, democrat, and “moral compass” whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire. He recalled their shared struggle for democracy, noting that Yar’Adua believed leadership should be about service, not privilege.
“Shehu’s loyalty was to one constituency, the Nigerian people. His moral compass was fixed on equity, transcending tribe, religion, or region,” Abubakar said.
He added that Yar’Adua’s principles of justice, institutional integrity, and unity remain relevant for Nigeria’s political class today.
Abubakar also praised the Yar’Adua family for their enduring contributions to the nation’s leadership. He warned that Nigeria’s unity remains fragile, tested by distrust and exclusion, and insisted that building a fair and inclusive union requires collective effort.
“The Nigeria of our dreams will not come through rhetoric or sentiment but through discipline, resolve, and honest work,” he concluded.
