By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building on the reform-oriented policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with a focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President made this assurance during the public presentation of a book titled “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience”, authored by Malam Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari. The event was held in Abuja and drew an array of dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political, military, and intellectual landscape.
In a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), it was revealed that President Tinubu, who was represented at the launch by the SGF, Senator George Akume, CON, paid glowing tribute to the efforts of his predecessor.
“The efforts of one administration laid the foundation for the next. In this regard, I acknowledge the efforts of my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, and assure all Nigerians that the reform-oriented path he initiated will be consolidated and strengthened under this administration,” he said. “Our Renewed Hope Agenda is inspired by the desire to build a resilient, just, and inclusive Nigeria, a nation that delivers dividends of democracy to all its citizens.”
The President praised the author, Garba Shehu, for compiling his experience into a book that he described as a “repository of wisdom” for communicators, policymakers, scholars, historians, and the wider Nigerian public. He further lauded former President Buhari’s leadership style, describing it as one rooted in integrity, accountability, prudence, and patriotism. He noted that under Buhari’s stewardship, Nigeria recorded significant gains in security and infrastructure development.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, also paid tribute to former President Buhari, commending his unwavering integrity and commitment to confronting the complex challenges of governance, particularly insecurity. He used the opportunity to extend gratitude to the Nigerian Army for their continued sacrifices in the fight against insurgency and the defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
In his remarks, former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo reflected on the professional journey of the author, from journalism to becoming a trusted presidential spokesman. He commended Shehu’s tact, resilience, and professionalism in navigating the demanding terrain of presidential communication.
Also speaking, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, recounted the merit-based rise of Garba Shehu from a campaign spokesman to his role as Senior Special Assistant to the President. He described the book as a structured and insightful chronicle of President Buhari’s leadership between 2015 and 2023. Divided into three parts—Introduction, The Legacy of a Revolutionary and Exemplary Leadership, and President Buhari’s Legacy—the book captures the values of discipline, integrity, and national commitment that defined the former President’s tenure.
