January 16, 2024 was indeed a Special day for former President Muhammadu Buhari for two reasons. First it was the day he was stepping into Abuja since he ‘stepped aside’ and handed over power to his successor, PBAT 232 days ago.Â
Second, it was the day he launched two books on his stewardship of the country after a successful two terms of 4 years each from 2015-2023.
On that day the banquet Hall of Nicon Hilton hotel was filled to the brim by associates, some ex members of his cabinet and aides including his VP, Prof Osinbajo and many other Buharists and well wishers.
The first book: ”Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity ( 2015-2023),” written by Femi Adesina, his SA Media and Publicity and the secong titled: “MUHAMMADU BUHARI: THE NIGERIAN LEGACY (2015 – 2023),” by Dr Udu Yakubu, a multidisciplinary strategist, accomplished biographer, corporate historian, scholarly editor, publisher, and businessman.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking at the books launch described PMB as a “great man, a patriot, a dedicated public servant who offered his best in the service of our country since he joined the army in 1962 at age 18.”
“President Buhari served our country with dedication and uncommon zeal. First as a military officer who offered unblemished service, manning important commands and political positions, and crowning it as military Head of State on 1st January 1984. Second, as a politician who ran four times for the highest office until he was elected President in 2015.”
President Tinubu was quick to explain the difficult times PMB encountered during his tenure saying: “Buhari assumed office at a very difficult period of our national life when the economy was spiralling into recession and Boko Haram had taken over swaths of our territory in North East. At a point it appeared even Abuja, the seat of government would fall into the hands of Boko Haram with the bombing of the UN Building among others.”
“Whatever unresolved challenges faced by President Buhari in his eight years, our administration will endeavour to resolve them. As I said during the campaigns, I inherited all his assets and liabilities,” PBAT assured.
For naysayers, it’s a big blow and disappontment when President Tinubu further pleged “our administration will continue to work , from where President Buhari stopped, to make our country better, create a vibrant economy and secure the environment to bring more prosperity to our people.”
In his response, PMB was quick to note that: “These books presented today once again exemplify the sanctity of records, and the role they play in documenting facts and figures, achievements and milestones, either in our personal lives, or in the life of a nation.”
While describing Adesina’s book as ‘a one-stop shop on our stewardship to the country’, PMB explained that without documentation, revisionism wins. Human beings often have short memories, and unless events are recorded in cold print, some people would come and attempt to either distort, or even obliterate recent history.
In the words of PMB ‘but the fact in our favour is that nothing was done under the veil of secrecy. We were as transparent and accountable as possible, being aware of the fact that posterity was the ultimate judge.’
Still talking about his leadership and his time in office, Buhari highlighted the challenges and the tough choices faced by his administration and further acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians He extended an apology to those who felt the weight of those decisions, emphasizing that ‘they were never intended to cause pain or anguish.’
PMB’s VP, Prof Yemi Osinbajo while speaking at the event did say that ‘President Buhari remains an enigma even after office’.
Professor Osinbajo took his turn in congratulating President Buhari for yet another literary celebration of ‘your intriguing and significant life and times.’
Indeed former President Muhammadu has proved to be an African enigma, icon and legend.
