President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that his administration will actively sustain the legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari, emphasizing leadership, discipline, and integrity. The commitment was made public on Monday in Abuja during the unveiling of a biography titled “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” authored by Dr. Charles Omole.

Speaking at the State House Conference Centre, President Tinubu stated that the book offers Nigerians an opportunity to glean insights from Buhari’s life and leadership journey. He highlighted that the most meaningful way to honor the former president is to ensure his enduring principles remain alive and influential in governance.

Tinubu further elaborated that the biography serves to reinforce public memory, detailing Buhari’s achievements and acknowledging his imperfections, as any comprehensive historical account should. He expressed hope that the book would inspire future leaders to learn from these lessons rather than merely repeating established slogans.

The President articulated that Buhari’s legacy gains greater significance when his successors choose to build upon the foundations he laid. He explicitly accepted this responsibility, stating, “That is my duty, and I pledge that today.”

Reflecting on his extensive political association with Buhari, President Tinubu described him as a brother, friend, and steadfast political partner. He recalled their collaborative efforts in forging a powerful political coalition that ultimately reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape and achieved a historic electoral victory.

Tinubu emphasized that their coalition’s success in 2015, which saw the defeat of an incumbent president, demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to pursue a new direction. He noted that this alliance also paved the way for the emergence of what is now considered Africa’s fastest-growing political party.

The President underscored the strength derived from working across diverse viewpoints, asserting that nation-building requires passionate competition coupled with responsible governance. He invoked Buhari’s understanding that the focus must shift from electoral contests to the responsibilities of governing once an oath is taken.

During the event, Dr. Charles Omole was commended for his meticulous work in producing the substantial 600-page biography. Several former military and security chiefs who served under Buhari’s tenure also testified to his personal qualities, with NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) describing him as “a man of honour, a man of character, a man of integrity and a man of principle.”

Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, characterized Buhari not just as a Commander-in-Chief, but as a statesman who ensured military power consistently served democratic governance. Similarly, former DSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi affirmed that President Buhari would never engage in election rigging, while former Naval Chief Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Rtd) credited Buhari’s strong leadership for improvements in national security.

Representing the Buhari family, Hadiza Nana Buhari expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, particularly in the completion of the National Armed Forces PTSD Centre Project. She encouraged Nigerians to emulate her father’s legacy of patience and integrity.

The book presentation attracted notable figures including President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, several state governors, senior government officials, traditional leaders, and members of the Buhari family, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

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Keywords: Bola Tinubu, Muhammadu Buhari, Buhari legacies, Nigerian leadership, political biography, national security, discipline and integrity, nation-building