Abdulsalami recalled that demands for a return to civilian government came from political leaders, civil society organisations, the international community and ordinary Nigerians who had become weary of years of military rule.

Mbeki, who was unable to attend physically due to a family bereavement, described Abdulsalami as one of Africa's foremost statesmen...

… Says Abubakar restored faith in democracy after Abacha’s death … His 11-month transition, set stage for civil rule …He