Abuja – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking on Monday at the State House Conference Centre, pledged that his administration will continue to honour former President Muhammadu Buhari by preserving his legacies of purposeful leadership, discipline, integrity and the belief that public office is a trust, not a windfall. The commitment was made during the unveiling and public presentation of the 600‑page book “From Soldier to Statesman – The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, authored by Dr Charles Omole.
“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,” President Tinubu said. He added that Buhari’s legacy gains greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what he started.
Tinubu recounted his long‑standing political relationship with Buhari, describing him as a brother, friend and political partner. “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,” he said.
He continued: “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.”
Governor of Katsina State Dikko Umaru Radda praised Tinubu for standing by the Buhari family, stating that Muhammadu Buhari epitomised discipline, prudence, patriotism and purposeful leadership.
Dr Charles Omole, the author, explained that the biography chronicles Buhari’s life and times, drawing on interviews with people who witnessed his birth and his death. He noted that former service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police who served under Buhari testified to his self‑discipline, integrity and rare sense of duty.
Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, highlighted Buhari’s character: “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.”
Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, former Chief of Air Staff, lauded Buhari’s commitment to national service: “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, said: “President Buhari will never rig an election.”
Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), former Chief of Naval Staff, noted that under Buhari “national security was significantly enhanced through strategic investment and strong leadership.”
Former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar praised Buhari’s integrity and reforms: “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.”
Hadiza Nana Buhari, on behalf of the Buhari family, thanked all guests, especially President Tinubu, for his support. “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.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including 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, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former aides of the late President, Vice President’s wife Nana Shettima, traditional rulers such as the Sultan of Sokoto and the Olu of Warri, and many others.
President Tinubu concluded by affirming that the greatest honour to bestow on the late President is to sustain his legacies, stating that the book offers Nigerians the opportunity to learn from Buhari’s life and continue his work toward a better nation.
