President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader whose life was defined by integrity, discipline, humility, and an enduring commitment to public service.
The President spoke in Abuja, at the launch of a biography chronicling the life and leadership of the former Nigerian leader.
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While extending condolences to the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and the entire Buhari family, President Tinubu said the nation remains grateful for Buhari’s service and sacrifices, noting that his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.
According to the President, true leadership is not measured by titles or privileges, but by values that endure long after public office has ended.
He described Buhari as a man of integrity who lived modestly and firmly believed that public office is a trust rather than an opportunity for personal gain.
President Tinubu recalled his long political journey with Buhari, describing him as a brother, friend, and partner with whom he built a historic political coalition that led to the defeat of an incumbent government in the 2015 general elections, a development that reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
He noted that the coalition formed in 2014 later evolved into what has become the fastest-growing political party in Africa, stressing that cooperation across political differences remains essential for nation-building.
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Speaking on the biography, President Tinubu said the book honestly documents both the achievements and shortcomings of the former President, adding that such balanced accounts are vital for educating future leaders beyond political slogans.
The President highlighted four major pillars of Buhari’s legacy: humility, reflected in his simple lifestyle; security, through investments in the armed forces and institutional reforms; vision, demonstrated by long-term infrastructure development including roads, railways, bridges, and airports; and social justice, achieved through targeted social investment programmes for the poor and vulnerable.
President Tinubu emphasized that sustaining Buhari’s legacy is a collective national responsibility, noting that legacies only endure when successors choose to build upon them.
He added that despite political disagreements during his lifetime, Buhari was widely respected for his honesty, patriotism, and consistency in upholding the oath of office.
The President called on Nigerians to embrace politics guided by honour and governance focused on results, stressing that national unity must transcend ethnicity, religion, and party affiliation.
President Tinubu commended the author of the biography for preserving the historical memory of Buhari’s life and leadership and expressed hope that the book would reach young Nigerians in schools and libraries, inspiring them to pursue responsible leadership.
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He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the late President Muhammadu Buhari eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus, comfort his family, and bless Nigeria with unity, wisdom, and peace.