Tinubu to Buhari: You assumed office at a difficult time and did a wonderful job

President Bola Tinubu says Muhammadu Buhari, his predecessor, did a wonderful job during his time in office.

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday at the launch of a book written by Femi Adesina, ex-media aide to Buhari, titled “Working With Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023)”.

He said Buhari took over office at a very difficult time.

The president thanked the organisers of the book launch for providing him with the opportunity to reunite with his predecessor.

The book launch was Buhari’s first official visit to Abuja since he handed over power to Tinubu on May 29, 2023, and left for Daura, his hometown in Katsina state.

“Let me thank the organisers of today’s book launch for providing me the opportunity to reunite with my predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari since he left office on May 29 2023,” Tinubu said.

“After handing over, he said I will be far away in Daura. We have partnered to make democracy flourish in Nigeria. Thank you for being who you are.

“Being here face to face with you is being here with a great documentation of history, candour, integrity and character.

“You assumed office at a very difficult time in our nation slide. The economy was prying into recession, Boko Haram has taken over so many local governments and some parts of the country.

“It is easy to forget that the United Nations building was attacked here in Abuja. It is easy to forget the role of the armed forces.

“But, if this book is carefully read and taught in time 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 eliminated.”

Tinubu also commended Buhari, whom he described as a man of integrity for not “intruding” in his administration or “breathing down his neck” to nominate persons for his cabinet.

“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,” he said.

“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. Are you in 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.

“When you left the office, you left many battles and a bunch of tasks for me for continuity. And I’ve told people I inherited the asset and liability of my predecessor no matter what you say.

“We always joke sometimes, and you say you can never please Nigerians but yours is to focus, work hard and satisfy your conscience. You have done that. It is reflected.

“You served our country with dedication and uncommon zeal. I was talking to somebody last night that I will be at this book launch and he said oh, I remember you sold us Buhari. And I said, stop where you are, I’m not talking to you about a disclaimer. I’m talking to you about a programme that I really appreciated and will continue to appreciate.

“Being here face to face with you is a great documentation of history, candour, integrity and character.

“The author of the books might have done their best but what Nigeria will gain from the book is what history must do and that history is in the book. And I’m glad history has been reintroduced and it is part of the curriculum in various schools and it will be emphasised. I promise you.”