President Bola Tinubu on Monday pledged to carry forward the governing ethos he ascribed to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari; discipline, integrity, security-first governance and social justice.
He said his truest tribute to the late Nigerian leader is to continue his legacy with results to show.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, during the launch of From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari by Dr. Charles Omole, the President framed Buhari’s impact as a standard his administration will deliberately uphold.
“These are the pillars of his legacy. But a legacy is given greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what has been started. That is my duty today,” he said.
Tinubu added: “President Buhari loved this country consistently, morning after morning, decision after decision, staying true to the oath he took.
“That is why even those who disagreed with him often acknowledged his honesty.”
In his remarks, the President paid respects to the Buhari family.
He described the former leader as one who “embodied quiet strength, discipline, and an enduring grace rooted in service,” and told Buhari’s widow, Aisha, her household that “the Buhari name will continue to inspire noble service for generations.”
Tinubu said the value of Buhari’s leadership is in the trust he left behind.
“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 noted.
He reminisced on their political partnership that culminated in a watershed transition in 2015.
“Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course,” he noted, adding that their alliance “reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape” by unseating an incumbent.
“The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues,” he said.
Tinubu welcomed the book’s intent to chronicle both the high points and imperfections of the Buhari persona.
“This book reinforces the public’s memory.
“It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should.
“It should motivate future leaders to learn lessons rather than repeat slogans, he stated.
The President distilled Buhari’s legacy into four pillars and tied each to current pursuits of his administration.
“First, humility. He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system.
“He recognised that security is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines.
“Long-term thinking, constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising our airports, and renewing critical infrastructure, while prioritising maintenance and sustainability,” said Tinubu.
On social justice, he said “targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.”
Tinubu stressed that cooperation across divides is strength, not weakness.
“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,” he noted.
Tinubu urged a politics anchored on results and restraint, saying, “Nigeria is greater than any tribe, language, faith, or political party.
“This book reminds us that one life, lived with restraint and responsibility, can inspire a nation.
“True nation-building is the work not just of leaders but of the entire citizenry.”
He thanked the author “for enriching our collective memory,” expressing hope that the biography “reaches widely, into classrooms, libraries, and the quiet desks of young Nigerians as they decide what kind of leaders they wish to become.”
The President paid his personal respects to this immediate predecessor, saying, “To my dear brother, President Muhammadu Buhari: though you are no longer with us, your impact endures. We will honour and build upon your legacy, not just by invoking your name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve.”
Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Radda, applauded President Tinubu for standing by the Buhari family and the State following the demise of the former President, stating that Buhari epitomised discipline, prudence, patriotism and purposeful leadership.
Author and reviewer of the book, Dr Charles Omole, said the biography chronicles the life and times of President Buhari and provides answers to several questions. He explained that the writing involved speaking with people who witnessed Buhari’s birth and his death.
Former Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police who served under President Buhari testified to his self-discipline, integrity, and rare sense of duty.
Sharing his own experiences, Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd.) enumerated several legacies of President Buhari, describing him as a disciplined officer who took a keen interest in his subordinates.
“Let me recall one important aspect of his character, which is encouraging his subordinates and appointees. The man whose legacy we celebrate today was a man of honour, a man of character, a man of integrity and a man of principle.
“An officer and a gentleman. A man who loved the masses and the masses loved him back. A soldier who fought for the territorial integrity of Nigeria,” Gen. Marwa stated.
Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, lauded the late President’s commitment to national service, both as a soldier and as a civilian President, saying: “Serving under him as Chief of Air Staff during a period of existential security challenges, I observed that he was not merely a Commander-in-Chief issuing orders but a statesman who understood that military powers must always serve democratic governance.”
Yusuf Magaji Bichi, former Director General of the Department of State Services under President Buhari, commended President Tinubu for continuing the legacies of commitment, purposeful leadership, democratic governance, and free and fair elections laid down by President Buhari, saying, “President Buhari will never rig an election.”
Chief of the Naval Staff under President Buhari’s administration, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Retd), highlighted the late President’s concern for national maritime security and in the Gulf of Guinea, stating that, under President Buhari, “national security was significantly enhanced through strategic investment and strong leadership.”
Former IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, praised the former president for his integrity and commitment to the nation’s internal security.
“Under his administration, the Nigerian Police witnessed the most decisive reforms in recent decades. Late President Buhari believed that the modern police force must be anchored on professionalism, accountability and operational efficacy,” the former IGP said.
Daughter of the late Nigerian leader, Hadiza Buhari, thanked all guests on behalf of the Buhari family.
She expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support in their time of grief.
“We sincerely thank Mr President for his dedication to completing the National Armed Forces PTSD Centre Project in Abuja, which President Buhari started. This is a vital facility initiated by the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association,” she stated.
She urged Nigerians to learn from her father’s legacy and build a system of patience and integrity that can stand the test of time.
The President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; Governors of Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Benue, and Borno States; the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State; and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, attended the event.
The family of late President Buhari, led by his widow, Aisha; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former aides of the late President; the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto and the Olu of Warri, also attended the event.
