By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu on Monday made a solemn pledge to preserve and advance the legacies of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring that his administration would continue to uphold the values of discipline, integrity and purposeful leadership that defined Buhari’s public life.
Speaking at the unveiling of ‘From Soldier to Statesman’ – The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu said the greatest honour Nigeria could pay to Buhari was not mere tributes, but the sustained application of his ideals in governance.
“This book reinforces public memory. It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should. It should motivate future leaders to learn lessons rather than repeat slogans,” Tinubu said.
“Buhari’s legacy only gains meaning when those who come after choose to continue what he started. That is my duty, and I pledge that today.”
The president described Buhari as a brother, friend and political partner, recalling their shared journey through some of Nigeria’s most challenging political moments.
He noted that their collaboration culminated in the historic 2015 election, which unseated an incumbent president and reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course,” Tinubu said, adding that the coalition formed in 2014 had grown into “the fastest-growing political party in Africa today.”
Tinubu stressed that Buhari understood the deeper meaning of democracy, insisting that political rivalry must end once governance begins.
“Our political journey taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom. Nation-building demands that we compete passionately and govern responsibly,” he said.
The event drew glowing tributes from political leaders, security chiefs and members of Buhari’s family, all of whom testified to his austere lifestyle and deep sense of duty.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, described Buhari as the embodiment of “discipline, prudence, patriotism and purposeful leadership,” thanking Tinubu for standing by the Buhari family and Katsina State after the former president’s death.
Author of the biography, Dr Charles Omole, said the 600-page work was the result of extensive research, including interviews with people who witnessed Buhari’s birth and death.
“This book chronicles his life and answers many questions Nigerians have asked about his journey,” Omole said.
Former service chiefs who served under Buhari spoke of his integrity and uncommon leadership style. Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), described Buhari as “an officer and a gentleman” who encouraged subordinates and lived by principle.
“The man whose legacy we celebrate today was a man of honour, character and integrity. A soldier who fought for the territorial integrity of Nigeria,” Marwa said.
Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, said Buhari was more than a commander-in-chief. “He understood that military power must always serve democratic governance,” he noted.
Former DSS Director-General, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, praised Tinubu for sustaining Buhari’s democratic ideals, adding pointedly: “President Buhari will never rig an election.”
On behalf of the Buhari family, Hadiza Nana Buhari thanked President Tinubu for his support, particularly for completing the National Armed Forces PTSD Centre in Abuja, a project initiated under Buhari’s administration.
“We urge Nigerians to learn from his legacy and build a system of patience and integrity that can stand the test of time,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including Gambian President Adama Barrow, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, state governors, traditional rulers and top security officials — a reflection of the enduring national impact of Muhammadu Buhari’s life and leadership.
