President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed former President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader who governed with integrity, accountability, and patriotism, leaving behind a legacy of disciplined leadership and national renewal.
President Tinubu’s tribute came during the public presentation and formal launch of “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience”, a book authored by Mallam Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari. The event, held on Wednesday in Abuja, attracted high-ranking government officials, political stakeholders, diplomats, media practitioners, and members of civil society.
Represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu lauded Buhari’s principled approach to leadership, describing him as a man who led Nigeria with “a deep sense of duty, discipline, and commitment to national development.”
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership stood firmly on the pillars of integrity, accountability, prudence, and unwavering patriotism,” Tinubu noted. “Under his watch, Nigeria recorded significant strides in the fight against insecurity, witnessed massive investment in infrastructure, and experienced a renewed national focus on self-reliance and institutional reforms.”
He praised the former president for his bold stance in tackling corruption, strengthening public sector transparency, and redirecting national attention to local production and economic diversification. “The Buhari administration brought a sense of direction and moral clarity to governance,” the President added.
Speaking further, Tinubu highlighted the significance of Garba Shehu’s book, stating that it offers an invaluable glimpse into the inner workings of the presidency and the communication strategies that shaped national conversations during a pivotal era in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“This book is more than just a memoir—it is a living record of presidential leadership, the complexity of governance, and the delicate task of managing public narratives. It is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the machinery of statecraft at the highest level,” Tinubu said.
Garba Shehu, in his address, described the book as a collection of reflections and key lessons gathered during his years of service alongside President Buhari. According to him, the publication aims to provide context and clarity to many policy decisions and public statements that were often misunderstood or misrepresented.
He expressed gratitude to former President Buhari for the opportunity to serve and for the confidence reposed in him throughout two terms in office. Shehu also acknowledged the role of the media in strengthening democracy while calling for greater professionalism and patriotism in national discourse.
The event featured a robust panel discussion, poetry readings, and tributes from colleagues and close associates of the former president. Speakers emphasized the importance of documenting Nigeria’s political history and promoting a culture of reflective governance.
As the nation continues to navigate its journey toward economic stability and security, the moment served as both a celebration of history and a reminder of the leadership values needed to move Nigeria forward.
President Tinubu concluded his remarks by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to consolidating on the progress made under Buhari and building a nation grounded in transparency, justice, and opportunity for all.
