President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised that his administration will continue to honour the former president Muhammadu Buhari by sustaining his legacies of purposeful leadership, discipline, and integrity.
The President made the pledge on Monday at the State House Conference Centre during the launch and public presentation of the book, From Soldier to Statesman” – The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, autographed by Dr Charles Omole.
He said the book offered Nigerians the chance to learn from President Buhari, and acclaimed the commemoration of the late president legacies would be the greatest honour to endow on him.
“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 said
Tinubu noted that Buhari’s legacy gains greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what he started.
He recounted his long-standing political relationship, describing the former President as a brother, friend, and political partner with whom he shared a journey through challenging times.
“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,” he added
The President also noted that “True Nation-Building” is not only the work leaders but the entire citizens of Nigeria.
Tinubu further appreciated the author for his scholarly efforts in writing the 600-page book, and “for enriching our collective memory,” expressing hope that the biography “reaches widely, into classrooms, libraries, and the quiet desks of young Nigerians as they decide what kind of leaders they wish to become.”
The President paid his personal respects to this immediate predecessor, saying, “To my dear brother, President Muhammadu Buhari: though you are no longer with us, your impact endures. We will honour and build upon your legacy, not just by invoking your name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve.”
The 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.
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, were present at 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.
