• Says Buhari served Nigeria with dedication •Lauds Adesina’s book on ex-president
From Juliana Taiwo- Obalonye, Abuja
President BolaTinubuhas declared that his administration would not rest until those he referred to as “agent of darkness,” causing insecurity in the nation were completely eliminated.
• President Bola Tinubu (3rd left) with former President Muhammadu Buhari (middle); his wife, Aisha; former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon (2nd right); former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left); former Federal Commissioner for Information, Maj-Gen. I.B. Haruna (rtd) and former Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Buhari, Femi Adesina (2nd left), during the public presentation of Adesina’s book, Working with Buhari, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: MUDASHIRU ATANDA
The President made the vow at the official unveiling of the book, “Working with Buhari, Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023),” by Femi Adesina, and Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy 2015-2023 (I-V), edited by Udu Yakubu, at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
He recalled that the former President took over the saddle of government at a time terrorists group, Boko Haram, had taken over the entire Northeastern region and insecurity ravaged the nation.
He said: “You assumed office at a very difficult time in our nation’s life. The economy was going into recession. The Boko Haram had taken over so many local governments areas and some parts of our country. It is easy to forget that the United Nations building was attacked here in Abuja.
“It’s easy to forget the role of armed forces. But, if the book is carefully read and taught in terms of substance in our various schools, the job of securing every inch of our nation may not be completed but you did a wonderful job. And we will not
rest, I promise you, until every agent of darkness is completely eliminated. Nigeria is a sovereign country.”
Tinubu, who said he now realised that governance is not a walk in the park, thanked the organisers of the book launch for providing him with the opportunity and the ambience to reunite with his predecessor, Buhari, whom he has not seen since the left office on May 29, 2023.
He particularly commended Buhari, whom he described as a man of integrity, for not intruding in his administration, nor breathing down his neck to nominate persons for his cabinet.
He said: “After handing over, you said I will be far away in Daura, but if you need me, contact me. But, I won’t intrude in whatever you are doing. I won’t interfere or breath down your throat.
“We’ve partnered to make democracy flourish in Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari, thank you. Except when I call you to say how are you living? Are you in the farm? We don’t hear from you either to nominate or intrude in the cabinet or complain about anything. Thank you for being who you are.
“When you left the office, you left many battles and a bunch of tasks for me for continuity. And I’ve told people I inherited the
asset and liability of my predecessor, no matter what you say. “We always joke sometimes, and you say you can never please Nigerians, but yours is to focus, work hard and satisfy your conscience. You have done that. It is reflected.
“You served our country with dedication and uncommon zeal. I was talking to somebody last night that I will be at this book launch and he said oh, I remember you sold us Buhari. And I said, stop where you are, I’m not talking to you about a disclaimer. I’m talking to you about a programme that I really appreciated and will continue to appreciate.
“Being here face to face with you is a great documentation of history, candor, integrity and character.
“The author of the books might have done their best, but what Nigeria will gain from the book is what history must do and that history is in the book.
And I’m glad history has been reintroduced and it is part of the curriculum in various schools and it will be emphasised. I promise you,” he said.
President Tinubu commend- ed his predecessor for reiterating his commitment to support his administration, as well as the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), demonstrating that he is a true democrat.
He said: “I’m glad to listen to you making a commitment to my administration for sup- port and as real politician and democrat that you are, you are still dedicated and committed to our party. The largest party in Africa.”
The President said he would continue to emulate Buhari’s style of non-interference, staying on course in building the nation.
Tinubu said: “Well, I’ve emulated you. One of those things is non-interference, being a democrat, responsibility for nation-building, and staying on course; I am determined to do just that because I campaigned for this job. And you told me in our discussions it’s not easy. But, I went out there dancing for it, making promises, doing Kokomo, doing all collabos, and making music, so I cannot complain. We will be there.
“In addition to going through the Niger Bridge and other places, many would not realise the interconnectivity necessary for economic growth in our
rail project, in our port project, how vital it is to the economic growth of this nation. You are a silent worker, a man who is very organised and disciplined individual. President Muhammadu Buhari, thank you.”
President Tinubu said Buhari should be a civic subject-matter studied in both secondary schools and universities.
He said: “To many of you, I thank you for coming to this event. It‘s been a wonderful time for our nation; very wonder-
ful indeed. We are facing the roller-coaster; same battle too. We removed subsidy, we stopped those people fleecing Nigerians. Yes, I know they will complain. It is the same thing all over. The lesson is learnt from you. But, the milk of kindness for a nation’s development and prosperity is not fermented from you, it is learnt.
“How much I cherish the editions of these book is by promoting it as a subject-matter in the history classrooms of our universities and secondary schools.
Then, accorded to you, a civic subject matter of our nation. I wish you a very successful retirement life but not tired
like a prosperous one. I know you won’t take a penny from the book launch proceeds but continue to be part of the pillar for our future development.”