President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the late President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader known for quiet strength, discipline, and lasting grace. He noted that Buhari “left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust, not a windfall.”
Tinubu made these remarks at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the launch of the book titled “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari.”
He encouraged Buhari’s family to find comfort in the prayers of Nigerians and said the Buhari name will continue to inspire noble public service.
Reflecting on their political journey, Tinubu recalled the coalition they built in 2014, which he said is “now the fastest growing political party in Africa.”
He said, “The measure of a leader is not simply the offices he held or the motorcades that accompanied him. It is what persists when the sirens fall silent.
“President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall.
“I stand here not just as President, but as a brother, friend, and political partner who shared a journey with President Buhari through challenging times.
“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.”
Speaking about Buhari’s legacy, Tinubu said, “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.”
Katsina Governor Dikko Radda described Buhari as an incorruptible strategist whose discipline and focus on national security set him apart.
The book’s author, Dr. Charles Omole, called the book the most comprehensive account of Buhari’s life, highlighting his guiding principles, values, and convictions.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Buhari’s daughter, Hadiza Nana Buhari, said the biography captures a life of restraint, steadiness, and a belief that public office is sacred. She urged young Nigerians to follow his example of integrity, moderation, and patience.
The launch was attended by dignitaries including the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, traditional rulers such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and senior security and military officials.
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