Tinubu expressed joy over the commitment of former President Buhari to supporting his administration, stressing that, as a real politician and a democrat that he is, he was still dedicated and committed to the All Progressives Congress, which he described as the largest party in Africa.
President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday that he inherited many assets and liabilities from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu stated that, on assumption in office, he realised that Buhari left him with “many battles and a bunch of tasks for me for continuity.”
The president made this known while appearing as the special guest of honour at the book launch, “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser Media and Publicity (2015–2023),” authored by Femi Adesina, and “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015–2023), a compilation of about 100 contributors edited by Dr. Udu Yakubu.
Describing the gathering as a reunion with the former President, Tinubu noted that when his predecessor left office on May 29, 2023, he (Buhari) left many battles and a bunch of tasks for continuity.
“And I told people I inherited the asset and liability of my predecessor no matter what you say,” he said.
Addressing the former president, Tinubu said, “Welcome to Abuja since you passed the baton off to me. I’ve seen many of your jokes, and I’ve realised it’s not just a walk in the park.
“Distinguish, ladies and gentlemen, It’s just a very, very beautiful day.
“Let me thank the organizers of today’s book launch for providing me the opportunity and the ambience to reunite with my predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, since he left office on May 29, 2023.
“After handing over, you said, ‘I will be far away in Daura, but if you need me, contact me’. But I won’t intrude on whatever you are doing. I won’t interfere or breathe down your throat. We’ve partnered to make democracy flourish in Nigeria.
“President Muhammadu Buhari, thank you. Except when I call you to say how you are living or how you are on the farm, we don’t hear from you to nominate, intrude on the cabinet, or complain about anything. Thank you for being who you are.
“When you left the office, you left many battles and a bunch of tasks for me for continuity. And I told people I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor, no matter what you say.
“We always joke sometimes, and you say you can never please Nigerians, but yours is to focus, work hard, and satisfy your conscience. You have done that. It is reflected.”
President Tinubu said his predecessor served the country with dedication and uncommon zeal.
He said, “I was talking to somebody last night that I would be at this book launch, and he said, Oh, I remember you sold to us Buhari. And I said, Stop where you are; I’m not talking to you about a disclaimer. I’m talking to you about a programme that I really appreciated and will continue to appreciate.
“Being here face-to-face with you is a great documentation of history, candour, integrity and character.”
He said that the authors of the books might have done their best, but what Nigeria will gain from the book is what history must do and that history is in the book.
“And I’m glad history has been reintroduced; it is part of the curriculum in various schools, and it will be emphasized. I promise you,” he assured.
Continuing, he said, “You (Buhari) assumed office at a very difficult time in our nation’s life. The economy was going into a recession. Boko Haram has taken over so many local governments and some parts of our country. It is easy to forget that the United Nations building was attacked here in Abuja.
“It’s easy to forget the role of the armed forces. But if the book is carefully read and taught in terms of substance in our various schools, the job of securing every inch of our nation may not be completed, but you did a wonderful job, and we will not rest, I promise you, until every agent of darkness is completely eliminated. It’s a sovereign country.”
Tinubu expressed joy over the commitment of former President Buhari to supporting his administration, stressing that, as a real politician and a democrat that he is, he was still dedicated and committed to the All Progressives Congress, which he described as the largest party in Africa.
“Well, I’ve emulated you; one of those things is non-interference, being a Democrat, responsibility for nation-building, and staying on course. I am determined to do just that because I campaigned for this job, and you told me in our discussions that it’s not easy.
“But I went out there dancing for it, making promises, doing Kokomo, doing all the collabos, and making music, so I cannot complain. We will be there.”
He noted some of the achievements of the former president, like the Second Niger Bridge, which makes interconnectivity necessary for economic growth, adding that it is vital to the economic growth of the country.
He described Buhari as “a silent worker, a man who is a very organised and disciplined individual.”
He thanked all the dignitaries that graced the book launch, saying, “It has been a wonderful time for our nation. Very wonderful indeed. We are facing a roller coaster. Same battle too.
“We removed subsidy, we stopped those people fleecing Nigerians. Yes. I know they will complain. It is the same thing all over. The lesson is learned from you. But the milk of kindness for a nation’s development and prosperity is not fermented from you; it is learned.
“How much I cherish the editions of this book is by promoting it as a subject matter in the history classrooms of our universities and secondary schools. Then, according to you, a civic subject matter of our nation.
“I wish you a very successful retirement life, but I am not tired. Like a prosperous one, I know you won’t take a penny from the book launch proceeds but will continue to be part of the pillar for our future development.”