President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered encomium on his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying his government stood on the pillars of integrity, accountability and patriotism. 

Speaking at the unveiling of the book, “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience,” written by the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the president said the reform-oriented path initiated by the immediate past Nigerian leader would be consolidated and strengthened by the present administration.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the president said: “From the restoration of fiscal discipline to the diversification of the economy, from the development of critical national infrastructure to the transformation of our rail and road networks, and from the expansion of social investment programmes to the repositioning of the agricultural sector, President Buhari’s era reflected an earnest attempt to reposition Nigeria for future resilience.

“In foreign policy, he was deliberate and consistent. Nigeria’s voice remained steady and respected within the African Union and the international community. Our engagements with global partners were guided by a principled foreign policy doctrine that upheld national interest, regional stability and non-alignment.”

“It is also worth commending President Buhari’s humility and restraint in the exercise of Presidential power – hallmarks of democratic maturity. In the face of provocation, he remained calm. In moments of uncertainty, he held steady. His was a Presidency of discipline and quiet strength,” Tinubu said.

*On the book

Commending the book, President Tinubu said: “Mallam Garba Shehu’s account provides a critical behind-the-scenes perspective. The book also serves as a repository of wisdom for public communicators, policymakers, scholars, historians and Nigerians at large. It offers key lessons on leadership communication, governance under pressure and the intersection between power and public perception.”

Tinubu added: “If we must move forward purposefully, we must learn from the past with honesty. Books like this play a vital role in that learning process. They preserve memory, illuminate truth and sharpen our collective understanding of nationhood.

“Nation-building is a relay. The efforts of one administration lay the foundation for the next. In this regard, I acknowledge the efforts of my predecessor, President Buhari, and assure all Nigerians that the reform-oriented path he initiated will be consolidated and strengthened under this administration. 

“Our Renewed Hope Agenda is inspired by the desire to build a resilient, just and inclusive Nigeria – a nation that delivers dividends of democracy to all its citizens.”

*On Gowon

In his remarks, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who was the occasion’s chairman, applauded Buhari, insisting that the former military leader did his best for the country and was not given to materialism.

On the book, Gowon said the author played up the importance of having a strong communication outfit in any administration, stressing that effective communication helps in nation-building by always clarifying on the position of government at all times.

“In my years of service as Head of State, I understood and appreciated the important role that communication plays in governance and nation building. A President’s actions, policies and programmes no matter how noble or well-conceived, must be clearly communicated to the citizens/ public. This is where the role of a hardworking and committed presidential spokesman, like Mallam Garba Shehu is most appreciated.

“I know General Buhari to be a staunch believer of the Nigerian project. I know him as a person not inclined to worldly or materialistic overtures. No matter the misconceptions about General Buhari, you can’t take away the fact that he has the firm interest of Nigeria at heart. I also know that he will do everything to keep his integrity intact.

“If the truth must be told, Gen. Buhari is a man of austere lifestyle. I was therefore not surprised when the author (at page 114) of the book narrated an incident that rightly depicted the General Buhari that I know. According to Garba Shehu, shortly after being sworn in as President and Commander in Chief, General Buhari was informed of the need to increase the budget for catering services in the Villa. He then asked what the existing budget was. When they told him it was N10 million for the State House including the Vice President, Guest houses and banquets in honour of visiting leaders, he screamed and asked that even the N10 million be drastically reduced,” said the ex-Nigerian leader.

He recalled that during his eight-year presidency, Buhari tried his best to contend with the overwhelming problems, one of which was the security situation in Nigeria. 

*Gambari speaks

Also speaking at the event, former Nigeria’s permanence representative to the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, called on the citizenry to consider merit and competence in the selection of occupants of the exalted seats of the President and Governors of the 36 states of the federation.

Gambari said the quality of leadership in the country is to a large extent a reflection of the wishes and aspiration of Nigerians who participate in the selection process at the party primaries and at the general election.

“If you think that’s not our business, that we are not politicians and it’s not a big deal, then it’s wrong. I am not a politician myself. But the country’s business is our business, security is our business, yes, we hold the leader responsible, we have to take responsibility as a leader, and no leader is there without the support of the people,” said Gambari, who was the Chief of Staff under the Buhari presidency.

Recalling how Nigeria’s founding fathers in the mould of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa and Chief Obafemi Awolowo mentored upcoming generation of Nigerians in their days, he called on those entrusted with the leadership of the country to sustain the trend in the interest of the country.

He further stressed the need for the citizenry to compliment the efforts of those entrusted with the leadership of the country to keep the peace and ensure good governance.

The academic and diplomat of international repute, said Nigeria remains a land where dreams are realised, citing himself, Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s Deputy Secretary General of the UN as reference points.

*The Book reviewer

The book reviewer, Prof. Umaru Pate, described the book as compendium of what happened during the sojourn of the author at the presidential villa, right from when he served under former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and later former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Pate, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe state, lauded the author for not only recording his experiences but also for putting them down in the most simplified manner that could easily be understood by all category of readers.

Presenting the book to the public, Prof. Gambari was full of praises to his former principal for finding him worthy to serve the nation in 1984 as the nation’s representative at the United Nations and later Chief of Staff.

Some of the dignitaries at the occasion include former Vice Presidents, Atiku Abubakar and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Lagos state Governor Raji Fashola and former SGF Babagana Kingibe.

Also at the event were Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; his predecessor, Lai Mohammed; former SGF, Babachir David Lawal and Boss Mustapha; Katsina State Deputy Governor, Farouk Lawal; former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung; former Ekiti state Governor, Kayode Fayemi; former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin Abayomi; Dr. Chris Ngige, Malam Nasir El-rufai, Generals Tukur Buratai and Buba Marwa, as well as  former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu. (Blue Print)