President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today commended his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari at the much-publicised book launch in honour of Buhari.
The well-attended event, which took place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja marked the first time former President Buhari and his successor, President Tinubu, would appear publicly together after the May 29, 2023 handover.
The book, ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity (2015-2023)’, which was written by Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, was unveiled alongside five volumes of another book titled ‘Muhammadu Buhari, The Nigerian Legacy, 2015 to 2023.’
Tinubu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended Buhari for being a statesman.
“”We are all here today to honour a great man, a patriot, a dedicated public servant who offered his best in the service of our country since he joined the army in 1962 at age 18.
President Buhari served our country with dedication and uncommon zeal. First as a military officer who offered unblemished service, manning important commands and political positions, and crowning it as military Head of State on 1st January 1984. Second, as a politician who ran four times for the highest office until he was elected President in 2015,” Tinubu extolled.
Addressing Buhari, who handed over power to him on May 29, 2023 upon the completion of double terms of eight years, Tinubu thanked his predecessor for being a statesman. He also lauded Buhari for not interfering with the new administration adding that, “We’ve partnered to make democracy flourish in Nigeria, thank you.”
“After handing over, you (Buhari) said, ‘I will be far away in Daura but if you need me, contact me. I won’t intrude in whatever you are doing. I won’t interfere. I won’t breathe down (on) your throat’.
“Except when I call him (on the phone) to say, ‘Are you living, are you going to the farm?’, you don’t hear from him (Buhari) either to nominate or intrude in the cabinet or complain about issues. Thank you for being who you are,” Tinubu said.
Dignitaries at the event were former Head of State ( Chairman of the event), General Yakubu Gowon, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.