True measure of leadership lies not in power, privilege, pageantry – Tinubu at book presentation

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA –PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Monday paid tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring that the true measure of leadership lies not in power, privilege or pageantry, but in the values that endure long after office is vacated.

Speaking at the official presentation of a book on the past President with the title: “From Soldier to Statesman: The legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” Buhari’s in Abuja, Tinubu said history would remember the former President not for the offices he occupied or the motorcades that accompanied him, but for the character he brought to public life.

According to him: “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.”

The President described Buhari as a leader of quiet strength, discipline and restraint, whose sense of duty was anchored in service rather than spectacle.

He extended the nation’s condolences to former First Lady Aisha Buhari, her children and grandchildren, assuring them that Nigeria’s prayers and gratitude remain with the family.

“I stand here not only as President, but as a brother, friend and political partner who shared a defining journey with him,” Tinubu said.

Recalling their shared political history, Tinubu said Buhari played a central role in reshaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape, particularly through the broad coalition that led to the historic 2015 election.

“Together, we built a movement that united diverse interests across the country. We proved that Nigeria could chart a new course, and in 2015 we achieved what many thought impossible by unseating an incumbent president through the ballot,” he said.

Tinubu noted that the coalition forged in 2014 has since evolved into one of the fastest-growing political platforms on the African continent, underscoring Buhari’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s political architecture.

Reflecting on the biography being presented, the President commended the author for offering a balanced account of Buhari’s life, one that documents both accomplishments and shortcomings.

“History must teach, not flatter,” Tinubu said. “This book should motivate future leaders to draw lessons, not repeat slogans.”

He outlined what he described as the enduring pillars of Buhari’s legacy, beginning with humility.

“President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation. He believed a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system. He lived modestly and carried the dignity of that modesty into power,” he said.

On security, Tinubu said Buhari understood that safety is the foundation of citizenship and economic prosperity, investing in personnel, platforms and reforms across the armed services.

“He recognised that security is not just about protecting the state, but protecting citizens and preserving national stability,” he noted.

The President also highlighted Buhari’s commitment to long-term vision, citing investments in roads, railways, airports and critical infrastructure, alongside an emphasis on sustainability and maintenance.

On social justice, Tinubu said Buhari believed governance must not abandon the poor and vulnerable, hence his focus on targeted social interventions.

“These pillars define his legacy. But a legacy only truly lives when those who follow choose to build upon it. That is my duty,” Tinubu declared.

He said Buhari’s consistency, fidelity to his oath and love for Nigeria earned him respect even among those who disagreed with his policies.

“He loved this country decision after decision, morning after morning. That is why even his critics often acknowledged his honesty,” Tinubu said.

Drawing lessons from their shared political journey, the President stressed that cooperation across differences is a strength, not a weakness.

“Nation-building demands that we compete passionately and govern responsibly. President Buhari understood that the contest ends when the oath begins. In his memory, we must keep our politics honourable and our governance focused on results,” he said.

Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, retired General Buba Marwa, described late Buhari as a principled soldier, disciplined statesman and deeply humane leader whose personal integrity shaped every office he held.

Marwa, while offering personal reflections on Buhari’s life said: “A true Nigerian soldier, a statesman, and a leader by circumstance,” Marwa said. “I will only touch the tip of the iceberg of my personal relationship with him, but even that offers a glimpse into the kind of man he was.”

Tracing his first indirect connection to Buhari, Marwa revealed that his late father served alongside Buhari when he was a young lieutenant in Abeokuta in the early 1960s, a fact Buhari himself later confirmed during a private conversation decades later.

Marwa said he came to know Buhari personally in 1974 when Buhari was posted as Colonel General Staff of a division in Port Harcourt.

“He was never harsh to young officers. He was calm, approachable and patient. Even when made to wait, unlike others, he never complained or uttered unkind words,” Marwa said.

Marwa described Buhari as a man of strict principle, recalling his role as head of a military promotion examination panel in 1981.

“Out of 190 officers, only three passed. There was intense pressure to adjust the results. He refused. He said if only three passed, then only three would go. He stood his ground,” Marwa noted.

He also shared lighter moments, including Buhari’s unexpected sense of humour.

“At one point, a newspaper cartoon showed me labouring on Lagos roads while he looked on in surprise. I was worried he would be offended. Instead, he burst into genuine laughter. His sense of humour was remarkable,” he said.

Reflecting on Buhari’s political journey, Marwa said the former President commanded organic loyalty from ordinary Nigerians, even when resources were scarce.

“In the CPC days, there was little money, but millions followed him. People came out in their numbers because they trusted him,” he said.

Marwa also acknowledged Buhari’s unwavering support during his tenure as NDLEA chairman, saying every request made to strengthen the agency was approved.

“Barracks, equipment, vehicles, recruitment, he supported all of it. That support has continued and even expanded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recently renewed my tenure,” he said.

The NDLEA boss recalled a morale-boosting moment in September 2022, when the NDLEA recorded the seizure of 2.1 tonnes of cocaine valued at over N760 billion.

“Even while attending the UN General Assembly in New York, President Buhari took time to personally commend our officers. That meant a great deal to the agency,” Marwa said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has paid glowing tribute to late former President, describing him as a leader whose life of discipline, sacrifice and integrity left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.

He recalled Buhari’s long years of service as both a soldier and a statesman, noting that the former President consistently demonstrated courage, resolve and fidelity to duty, even in the face of daunting national challenges.

“President Buhari was willing to give everything in defence of this nation and remained steadfast in delivering on the mandate entrusted to him by Nigerians,” the governor said.

According to Radda, Buhari embodied integrity, simplicity and accountability in public office, earning the respect of Nigerians across generations and political divides.

“He set a standard for public trust and remains a guiding light for many of us in public service. He was honest, disciplined, judicious with public resources and deeply committed to the rule of law,” he added.

The Katsina governor also highlighted the political partnership between President Tinubu and the late Buhari, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

He also commended the author of the book for maintaining objectivity, balance and intellectual rigour, noting that the publication would serve as an important historical resource for future generations of Nigerians.

Author and reviewer of the newly launched biography of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr Charles Omole, described the work as the most comprehensive account of the former leader’s life, deliberately focused on the man behind the office rather than a defence or critique of his policies.

Omole said the project arose from a simple but significant concern: that an earlier, widely read portrait of Buhari published in 2014 no longer reflected the full arc of his life and leadership.

“When the idea of presenting that book again came up, the family felt it was already ten years old and could not possibly capture the bulk of what President Buhari did afterwards,” Omole said.

 “This book was conceived to fill that gap.”

He explained that unlike many previous publications on Buhari, the new work is built on extensive interviews with people who knew him across the entire span of his life.

“This is a book that involved speaking to people who were there when he was born and people who were there when he died. It is the most comprehensive compilation of the life history and legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, told by those who knew him best,” he said.

The 600-page book, Omole noted, deliberately avoids a detailed policy review, leaving that to memoirs and accounts by those who served directly in government.

“Our focus was the man Muhammadu Buhari, his principles, his temperament, his worldview. If you understand the man, many of the decisions he took as president become clearer,” he said.

According to Omole, the book offers lessons for current and future leaders, particularly on governance and statecraft.

“Integrity is necessary in public office, but it is not sufficient on its own,” he said. “Personal honesty must be translated into systems, procurement rules, transparent accounts, audit trails and institutional guardrails against state capture.”

High-profile dignitaries at the event included the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; state governors; members of the Federal Executive Council; the diplomatic corps; former governors and aides; a delegation from the Arewa Consultative Forum; former service chiefs; security heads; and traditional rulers, among others.

The post True measure of leadership lies not in power, privilege, pageantry – Tinubu at book presentation appeared first on Vanguard News.