Chapter 08 of 17

Handing Over

The Administration kept its promise to hand over government to civilians on October 1, 1979. The successful elections and voluntary handover were a first on the African Continent. General Obasanjo and General Yar'Adua never doubted that the enthronement of democracy was the only way to ensure stability and social harmony in the country.

Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (left) with General Olusegun Obasanjo
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (left) with General Olusegun Obasanjo
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (Right) with Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo during the October 1, 1979, handover ceremony, a landmark event that ushered in Nigeria’s Second Republic through a peaceful transfer of power
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (Right) with Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo during the October 1, 1979, handover ceremony, a landmark event that ushered in Nigeria’s Second Republic through a peaceful transfer of power
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (Right) with General Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Alex Ekweme during the October 1, 1979, handover ceremony
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (Right) with General Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Alex Ekweme during the October 1, 1979, handover ceremony
Chief Alex Ekwueme, sworn in as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, October 1, 1979
Chief Alex Ekwueme, sworn in as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, October 1, 1979
His Excellency, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, delivering his first national address as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
His Excellency, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, delivering his first national address as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (Left) with General Obasanjo and Alhaji Shehu Shagari during the Handover Ceremony of October 1, 1979
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (Left) with General Obasanjo and Alhaji Shehu Shagari during the Handover Ceremony of October 1, 1979
(L-R):Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Michael Adelanwa, Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and President-elect Alhaji Shehu Shagari during the historic transition to civilian rule, October 1, 1979
(L-R):Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Michael Adelanwa, Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and President-elect Alhaji Shehu Shagari during the historic transition to civilian rule, October 1, 1979
The Outgoing Military Government. Captured on October 1, 1979, marking the formal handover of power to a democratically elected civilian administration
The Outgoing Military Government. Captured on October 1, 1979, marking the formal handover of power to a democratically elected civilian administration