PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES TO SUSTAIN BUHARI’S LEGACIES AT BIOGRAPHY LAUNCH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday in Abuja, pledged that his administration would honour former President Muhammadu Buhari by sustaining his legacies of purposeful leadership, discipline, and integrity. He 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. President Tinubu stated that the greatest honour to bestow on the late President is to sustain his legacies.

Addressing the audience, President Tinubu said the book offers Nigerians the opportunity to learn from President Buhari. “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 stated. 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 affirmed.

Reflecting on their long-standing political relationship, President Tinubu described the late President as a brother, friend, and political partner. He chronicled their shared journey, saying, “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”. He added that the coalition built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today, and its growth continues.

President Tinubu outlined what he described as the key pillars of President Buhari’s legacy. The first is humility, noting that Buhari “preferred simplicity over ornamentation” and believed a leader must first discipline himself before disciplining a system. The second pillar is security, as Buhari recognized it as the foundation of citizenship and prosperity, investing in platforms, personnel, and enduring reforms. The third is vision, reflected in his long-term thinking on infrastructure like bridges, railways, roads, and airports. The fourth is social justice, demonstrated through targeted social investments to ensure the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.

“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,” President Tinubu said. He concluded by directly addressing his late predecessor: “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 Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, applauded President Tinubu for standing by the Buhari family and the state. He stated that Muhammadu Buhari epitomised discipline, prudence, patriotism, and purposeful leadership. The author of the biography, Dr. Charles Omole, explained that the 600-page book chronicles the life and times of President Buhari and provides answers to several questions, with research involving speaking to people who witnessed both his birth and his death.

Former service chiefs who served under President Buhari also paid tribute. The Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), described Buhari as “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”. Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, lauded the late President’s commitment to national service, stating 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, commended President Tinubu for continuing the legacies of commitment and democratic governance, asserting that “President Buhari will never rig an election”. Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, highlighted Buhari’s concern for national maritime security, stating that under him, “national security was significantly enhanced through strategic investment and strong leadership”. Former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, praised Buhari’s integrity and credited his administration with the most decisive police reforms in recent decades, anchored on professionalism and accountability.

On behalf of the Buhari family, Hadiza Nana Buhari expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support. She specifically thanked him “for his dedication to completing the National Armed Forces PTSD Centre Project in Abuja, which President Buhari started,” noting it 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 high-profile event was attended by a wide array of dignitaries. The President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, was among the international guests. Nigerian dignitaries included the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governors of Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Benue, and Borno States; the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State; and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. The family of the late President, led by his widow, Aisha Buhari, was present, along with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former aides; the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; and traditional rulers including the Sultan of Sokoto and the Olu of Warri.