President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday in Abuja, stated that his administration will continue to honour former President Muhammadu Buhari by sustaining his legacies of purposeful leadership, discipline, integrity, and the belief that public office is a trust, not a windfall.
President Tinubu made this commitment at the State House Conference Centre during the unveiling and public presentation of the book, From Soldier to Statesman – The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr Charles Omole.
He said the book offers Nigerians the opportunity to learn from President Buhari, and affirmed that the greatest honour to bestow on the late President is to sustain his legacies.
“This book reinforces the public memory. It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should. It should motivate future leaders to learn lessons rather than repeat slogans.
He noted that Buhari’s legacy gains greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what he started.
“That is my duty, and I pledge that today,” the President stated.
President Tinubu chronicled his long-standing political relationship with President Buhari, describing him as a brother, friend, and political partner with whom he shared a journey through challenging times.
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“Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course. Our movement united diverse interests and achieved a historic victory in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president, thus reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape. The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues.
“Our political journey together taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom. Nation-building demands that we compete passionately and govern responsibly. President Buhari understood that the contest ends when the oath begins. In his memory, let us keep our politics honourable and our governance focused on results.
“True nation-building is the work not just of leaders but of the entire citizenry,” he added.
The President commended the author, Dr Charles Omole, for his scholarly efforts in writing the 600-page book.
Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, applauded President Tinubu for standing by the Buhari family and the State following the demise of the former President, stating that Muhammadu Buhari epitomised discipline, prudence, patriotism and purposeful leadership.
Author and reviewer of the book, Dr Charles Omole, said the biography chronicles the life and times of President Buhari and provides answers to several questions. He explained that the writing involved speaking with people who witnessed Buhari’s birth and his death.
Former Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police who served under President Buhari testified to his self-discipline, integrity, and rare sense of duty.
Sharing his own experiences, Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) enumerated several legacies of President Buhari, describing him as a disciplined officer who took a keen interest in his subordinates.
“Let me recall one important aspect of his character, which is encouraging his subordinates and appointees. The man whose legacy we celebrate today was a man of honour, a man of character, a man of integrity and a man of principle.
“An officer and a gentleman. A man who loved the masses and the masses loved him back. A soldier who fought for the territorial integrity of Nigeria,” Gen. Marwa stated.
Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, lauded the late President’s commitment to national service, both as a soldier and as a civilian President, saying: “Serving under him as Chief of Air Staff during a period of existential security challenges, I observed that he was not merely a Commander-in-Chief issuing orders but a statesman who understood that military powers must always serve democratic governance.”
Yusuf Magaji Bichi, former Director General of the Department of State Services under President Buhari, commended President Tinubu for continuing the legacies of commitment, purposeful leadership, democratic governance, and free and fair elections laid down by President Buhari, saying, “President Buhari will never rig an election.”
Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), Chief of the Naval Staff under President Buhari’s administration, highlighted the late President’s concern for national maritime security and in the Gulf of Guinea, stating that, under President Buhari, “national security was significantly enhanced through strategic investment and strong leadership.”
Former IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, praised the former president for his integrity and commitment to the nation’s internal security.
“Under his administration, the Nigerian Police witnessed the most decisive reforms in recent decades. Late President Buhari believed that the modern police force must be anchored on professionalism, accountability and operational efficacy,” the former IGP said.
Hadiza Nana Buhari thanked all guests on behalf of the Buhari family. She expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support in their time of grief.
“We sincerely thank Mr President for his dedication to completing the National Armed Forces PTSD Centre Project in Abuja, which President Buhari started. This is a vital facility initiated by the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA)”.
She urged Nigerians to learn from her father’s legacy and build a system of patience and integrity that can stand the test of time.
The President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; Governors of Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Benue, and Borno States; the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State; and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, attended the event.
The family of late President Buhari, led by his widow, Aisha; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former aides of the late President; the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto and the Olu of Warri, also attended the event.
