President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, has poured encomium on the former President Muhammadu Buhari for adopting a non-interference policy in the affairs of his government.
Tinubu made this remarks at the official launch of two books, including one titled, “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023), written by former presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina.
The second was a volume of five books, Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015 – 2023), edited by Dr. Udu Yakubu.
The President said as a democrat responsible for nation building, he has decided to emulate his predecessor.
Tinubu stated: “After handing over, you said ‘I will be far away in Daura, but if you need me, contact me. But I won’t intrude in 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 are you living? How are you on the farm? We don’t hear from you either to nominate or intrude in the cabinet or complain about anything. Thank you for being who you are.”
“Well, I’ve emulated you, one of those things is non-interference, being a democrat, responsible for nation building. 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 Kokoma, doing all collabos, and making music. So, I cannot complain. We will be there,” he added.
Tinubu said he is poised to deliver on the promises he made to Nigerians during the campaigns. Lauding the ex-leader, the President recalled the many battles Buhari faced, especially in the area of insecurity, assuring that his administration would not rest until it rids the country of those he called agents of darkness.
He continued: “You assumed office at a very difficult time in our nation’s life. The economy was going into 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 is a sovereign country.”
Tinubu affirmed that his removal of fuel subsidy has stopped those, who he said, were fleecing Nigerians.
In his remarks, Buhari, who was visiting the nation’s capital for the first time since leaving office last May, assured that he kept record of everything done under his watch, adding that he was aware that he might be required to give account of his stewardship someday.
While appreciating efforts of the authors to document his administration’s achievements, Buhari submitted: “Without documentation, revisionism wins. Human beings often have short memories, and unless events are recorded in cold print, some people would come and attempt to either distort, or even obliterate recent history.”
