Nigeria, June 14 -- The former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has reflected on one of the most consequential periods in Nigeria's history, saying the decision to hand over power to a civilian government in 1999 was both a political necessity and a moral obligation to rescue the country from prolonged instability.

Speaking at his 84th birthday celebration and the public presentation of three books chronicling his life and contributions to nation-building, Abdulsalami urged Nigerians to remain committed to democracy, peace and strong institutions, insisting that the gains of democratic governance far outweigh any alternative system.

The event, held at the State House, Abuja, and titled "The Legacy of a Statesman @ 84," featured the ...