A historic photo from 1996 captures Head of State General Sani Abacha at the Abuja airport, surrounded by key figures in his administration. Behind him is his Chief Security Officer (CSO), Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a man known for his fierce loyalty and controversial role during Abacha’s regime.

*Beside Abacha stands General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Chief of Defence Staff, who would later play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy .

• 
  In front of him is General Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, the Chief of General Staff, effectively the de facto Vice President of Nigeria at the time.

The irony of this moment lies in how history unfolded. General Sani Abacha, a powerful and enigmatic figure in Nigerian politics, died unexpectedly on June 8, 1998. Just 18 hours after his death, the man standing beside him in this photo, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, was sworn in as the Head of State. At the time this picture was taken, Abubakar likely had no idea he would rise to lead the nation just two years later.

Abubakar’s tenure marked a critical turning point in Nigeria’s history. Though brief, his leadership from June 1998 to May 29, 1999, laid the groundwork for the restoration of democratic governance. He oversaw the drafting of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and facilitated the transition to civilian rule under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

This photograph not only captures a moment in time but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of history and power. It highlights how swiftly the tides of leadership can change, shaping the fate of a nation and its people.