President Bola Tinubu on Monday lauded the late President Muhammadu Buhari as a model of discipline, integrity, and public service during the launch of Buhari’s official biography in Abuja.
Tinubu described the gathering as “a profound honour,” highlighting the enduring impact of Buhari’s life and leadership.
The event, held at the State House Banquet Hall, featured the unveiling of the book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London clinic after a prolonged illness. His remains were returned to Nigeria and buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in a state funeral attended by regional leaders.
Tinubu extended condolences to Buhari’s family, stating, “I extend the nation’s warmest embrace to Her Excellency, Aisha Buhari, her children, and grandchildren. May you find comfort in knowing that the prayers of Nigeria are with you, and that the Buhari name will continue to inspire noble service for generations.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s legacy, the president said, “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.”
Tinubu recounted their political partnership, noting, “Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course.”
“Our movement united diverse interests and achieved a historic victory in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president, thus reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.”
Highlighting key pillars of Buhari’s legacy, Tinubu emphasised humility, security, vision, and social justice. “He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system. He invested in platforms and personnel, improved capacities across our armed services, and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines.”
On national development, Tinubu said, “He understood the importance of long-term thinking constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising airports, and renewing critical infrastructure while prioritising maintenance and sustainability.”
Tinubu also praised Buhari’s dedication to social welfare, stating, “He believed in targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.”
He urged Nigerians to continue Buhari’s work, noting, “A legacy is given greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what has been started. That is my duty.”
Concluding, Tinubu called for unity and progress, 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.”
“May Almighty Allah grant him mercy and Jannatul Firdaus and bring comfort to his family. May He bless Nigeria with unity, wisdom, and peace.”
He also commended the author, saying, “I thank the author for enriching our collective memory, for collecting facts and testimonies, and for refusing to reduce a complex life to simple lines.”
“May this book reach widely, into classrooms, libraries, and the quiet desks of young Nigerians as they decide what kind of leaders they wish to become.”
