President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, through a lifetime of public service, exemplified the principle that public office is a sacred trust rather than a personal windfall.
President Tinubu stated this as he paid glowing tribute to the life and legacy of his predecessor.
President Tinubu said this on Monday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, during the unveiling of the biography of Nigeria’s late former President, titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole.
Reflecting on the enduring pillars of President Buhari’s legacy, the Nigerian leader noted that “the late statesman believed in first disciplining himself before reforming the system, a conviction reflected in his modest lifestyle and the dignity of restraint he carried into office.”
President Tinubu also highlighted that his predecessor invested in security via platforms and personnel as well as improved capacities across armed services, and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines.
“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.
“He understood the importance of long-term thinking — constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising our airports, and renewing critical infrastructure —while prioritising maintenance and sustainability,” he said.
The President said that a legacy derives its true significance when succeeding leaders consciously sustain and build upon the foundations already laid.
He recalled that together he built a broad national coalition, with the late Buhari, campaigned across the country, and demonstrated that Nigeria could chart a new political course.
“Our political journey together taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom. Nation-building demands that we compete passionately and govern responsibly.
“President Buhari understood that the contest ends when the oath begins. In his memory, let us keep our politics honourable and our governance focused on results,” the President explained.
President Tinubu said that the coalition formed in 2014 has since evolved into the fastest-growing political party in Africa, noting that its growth continues.
Speaking on the biography of the late President Buhari, the Nigerian leader said the book serves to reinforce public memory, noting that it documents both achievements and shortcomings, as every honest account should.
In addition, President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria transcends all tribes, languages, faiths, and political affiliations, noting that the book illustrates how a life lived with discipline and responsibility can inspire a nation.
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda,
portrayed the late president as an incorruptible “strategist” whose integrity and security foresight defined his leadership.
The Author of the Book, Dr. Charles Omole described the book as the most comprehensive account of the life and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He noted that “its 600 pages address several complex questions about his journey and leadership.”
Omole said that the work focuses on the man Muhammadu Buhari, his guiding principles, and values.
He further observed that one of the late President’s greatest legacies is his children, who have described their father as forthright and balanced, stressing that the late statesman instilled strong emotional intelligence in them.
“One of his legacies is his children who described their father as forthright and balance. He imbued strong emotional intelligence in his children,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the family, daughter of the late President Buhari, Hadiza Nana Buhari said the Bio on her father, late Muhammadu Buhari transcends a mere record, capturing instead the rhythm of a life lived with restraint, steadiness, and belief that public office is a sacred trust.
She noted that it is not a perfect story as no human story ever is but one that challenges the next generation to build systems strong enough to translate good intentions into lasting outcomes.
Nana Buhari urged young Nigerians, to draw lessons from his example by embracing integrity, moderation, and patience, while striving for success.
The event was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life, among whom were the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; members of the Buhari family, led by former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari; traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III and others.
Also at the event were the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen Buba Marwa (rtd); former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Isiaka Amoo (rtd); former Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Alhaji Yusuf Bichi; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd); and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Asamu, who all spoke on their experience with the late former President.
Lateefah Ibrahim