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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu pledged on Monday to build upon the enduring legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, framing his own administration as the steadfast continuation of a foundation rooted in humility, security, and national renewal. Speaking at the State House Conference Centre during the official presentation of the biography “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, authored by Charles Omole, Tinubu painted Buhari not just as a former leader, but as a “brother, friend, and political partner” whose disciplined governance will guide Nigeria’s future.
In a deeply personal address laced with tributes, Tinubu extended Nigeria’s “warmest embrace” to Buhari’s wife, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, her children, and grandchildren. “May you find comfort in knowing that the prayers of Nigeria are with you, and that the Buhari name will continue to inspire noble service for generations,” he said.
Tinubu dismissed superficial measures of leadership, insisting that true greatness lies in what endures “when the sirens fall silent.” He lauded Buhari’s “reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall.”
Reflecting on their shared history, Tinubu recalled how they forged a “broad coalition” in 2014 that clinched a historic 2015 victory by unseating an incumbent president. “The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues,” he declared, positioning the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Buhari’s living monument.
The President urged the audience to draw lessons from the book, which he praised for outlining “achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should.” He challenged future leaders to “learn lessons rather than repeat slogans,” before delving into what he called the “enduring pillars” of Buhari’s legacy—each a blueprint he vowed to uphold.
Tinubu methodically unpacked Buhari’s contributions, starting with humility. “President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation. He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system. He lived modestly, and he carried the dignity of that modesty into power,” Tinubu stated, evoking images of Buhari’s unpretentious style that resonated with a nation weary of excess.
On security, Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s foundational investments. “President Buhari recognised that security is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity. He invested in platforms and personnel, improved capacities across our armed services, and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines. He understood that safety requires protecting both the state and its citizens.” This pillar, Tinubu implied, underpins his own ongoing fight against insecurity.
Tinubu applauded Late Buhari’s vision crediting him for long-term infrastructure gains. “He understood the importance of long-term thinking—constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising our airports, and renewing critical infrastructure—while prioritising maintenance and sustainability.” He positioned these as enduring templates for his Renewed Hope agenda.
He concluded that, social justice shone through Buhari’s “targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable,” Tinubu noted, underscoring a commitment to the marginalised that he affirmed would persist.
Amping up the stakes, Tinubu declared these pillars demand action from successors “These are the pillars of his legacy. But a legacy is given greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what has been started. That is my duty,” he asserted
President Tinubu also recounted Buhari’s unwavering love for Nigeria—“morning after morning, decision after decision, staying true to the oath he took”—and lessons in bipartisan governance: “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.”
Tinubu envisioned a united Nigeria “greater than any tribe, language, faith, or political party,” crediting the biography for enriching “our collective memory” and urging its placement in “classrooms, libraries, and the quiet desks of young Nigerians.”
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He addressed late Buhari directly: “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.”
Earlier, Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda portrayed the late president as an incorruptible “strategist” whose integrity and security foresight defined his leadership as an incorruptible soldier-statesman whose life set “the standard for public trust” and whose partnership with President Bola.
Radda vividly recalled Buhari’s courage: “As a soldier, he was willing to die for this nation; as a statesman, he fought against all odds, and lived to deliver on the mandate bestowed on him by this nation.” He praised Buhari for shaping “the expectation between the leaders and the governed,” calling him “an honest man. A simple man.
He cared about people. He was a great soldier. And a perfect gentleman.”
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retd), on his part
celebrated his 50-year bond with the late Buhari, hailing him as “the true Nigerian soldier, statesman, and later, my president.”
He also credited Buhari’s support for NDLEA’s turnaround, including calling to hail him and his men for the largest seizure of drugs while he was away at the UN attending the general assembly.
Former Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, and ex-Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao (rtd), joined tributes at the book launch, lauding the late Buhari’s unyielding integrity, strategic security leadership, and enduring reforms.
Bichi, recalled that Buhari refused to meddle in high-stakes investigations, including the probe of ex-Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, prioritising justice over power.
Former Chief of Navel Staff, Vice Admiral, Awwal Gambo (rted), hailed Buhari as “a man of discipline, integrity, compassion… steady resolve to build a nation.” He spotlighted infrastructure like “road, rail… agriculture,” and security wins: “Successful elimination of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea to zero… based on parachute protocols.”
Former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu (rted), who served from 2019 to 2021, paid tribute to the late Buhari crediting him with transformative police investments and a leadership model that led to the most decisive reforms in the police.
He praised “unprecedented investments in infrastructure… training institutions and the regional assets,” including strengthened international partnerships and operational flexibility to combat crises.
Author of the 600-page biography From Soldier to Statesman, Charles Omole, hailed it as the definitive chronicle of Buhari’s life, legacy, journey, character, and leadership. Speaking at the Abuja launch, he emphasised its deep dive beyond the public persona, illuminating Buhari’s core principles, values, and convictions.
Omole spotlighted Buhari’s family as a cornerstone legacy, praising his children for embodying “forthrightness, balance, and strong emotional intelligence.”
He also said the book answered the frequently asked questions about the cable, the decision Buhari took regarding the ENDSARS protests among others.
Hadiza Buhari, the late president daughter in her vote of thanks, said the book goes beyond a mere record, capturing instead the rhythm of a life lived with restraint, steadiness, and an unwavering belief that public office is a sacred trust. She noted that it is not a perfect story—as no human story ever is—but one that challenges the next generation to build systems strong enough to translate good intentions into lasting outcomes.
Addressing young Nigerians, she urged them to draw lessons from his example by embracing integrity, moderation, and patience, while striving to go even further.
The event had in attendance President Adama Barrow of The Gambia alongside his wife Fatoumatta Barrow, Aisha Buhari and her children, several governors, political aides, and close associates of the late president, traditional rulers including the Sultan of Sokoto, diplomatic corps, and APC loyalists.
