President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, as a man whose leadership stood on the pillars of integrity, accountability, prudence and patriotism.
He showered the encomium during the public presentation and book launch of “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience” by Garba Shehu, the former Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity in Abuja on Wednesday.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George, Tinubu noted that under Buhari’s stewardship, “Nigeria witnessed a decisive push to confront insecurity, a serious commitment to infrastructure renewal, a renewed focus on self-reliance and a clear effort to sanitize the public sector.
“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.”
He further said, “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.”
On the book, President noted that, “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.”
He maintained that the nation must never get tired of documenting its journey.
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.”
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who was the Chairman of the book launch, applauded Buhari, insisting that the former military leader did his best for the country, adding that he 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 the position of the 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 in 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”.
The book reviewer, Prof. Umaru Pate, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe state, described the book as a 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 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 categories of readers.
Presenting the book to the public, former Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, was full of praise for 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.
Gambari described Buhari as a perfect gentleman and leader who has the sense of duty to always put the country first in whatever he does.
Some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion included: former Vice Presidents, Atiku Abubakar and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former governor of Osun state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Lagos state, Raji Fashola and former SGF, Babagana Kingibe.
Others were former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal and Boss Mustapha; Deputy Governor of Katsina state, Farouk Lawal, former Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, and 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 the Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu.
