On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu praised his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing gratitude for refraining from involvement in the formation of his 48-member cabinet last August. Tinubu conveyed his appreciation during the launch of the book titled ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity (2015-2023)’, written by former presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina, in Abuja.
In his address to Buhari, who transferred power to him on May 29, 2023, after completing two consecutive terms of eight years, Tinubu acknowledged his predecessor’s statesmanship. He thanked Buhari for maintaining a hands-off approach, saying, “After handing over, you (Buhari) said, ‘I will be far away in Daura, but if you need me, contact me. I won’t intrude in whatever you are doing. I won’t interfere. I won’t breathe down on your throat.'”
Tinubu, addressing the audience filled with current and former political officeholders, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts in fostering democracy in Nigeria. He added, “Except when I call him (on the phone) to say, ‘Are you living, are you going to the farm?’, you don’t hear from him (Buhari) either to nominate or intrude in the cabinet or complain about issues. Thank you for being who you are.”
The book launch event was attended by dignitaries including Buhari’s wife, Aisha; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; and various All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders.
