Tinubu Pushes Unity at Buhari Book Launch

President Bola Tinubu delivered a strong message of national unity on Monday, declaring that no single ethnic group, language, religious belief, or political affiliation holds greater importance than the Nigerian state itself. The President made the declaration during the official presentation of the biography of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The event, which paid tribute to the life and service of the former leader who passed away earlier this year, served as a platform for Tinubu to emphasize cohesion and national progress as the bedrock of the country’s future. “Nigeria is greater than any tribe, language, faith, or political party,” Tinubu asserted. He linked the essence of the newly unveiled biography to this national imperative, noting that the late president’s life demonstrated how a life “lived with restraint and responsibility, can inspire a nation.” He concluded his appeal for national harmony by offering a prayer for the country: “May He bless Nigeria with unity, wisdom, and peace. Nigeria will endure, prevail, and prosper through our efforts and God’s grace.”

Beyond the call for unity, President Tinubu used the occasion to commend his predecessor for his long-term vision and commitment to national development during his eight years in office. He highlighted Buhari’s strategic focus on infrastructure renewal and sustainability. “He understood the importance of long-term thinking, constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising our airports, and renewing critical infrastructure, while prioritising maintenance and sustainability,” Tinubu noted, acknowledging the critical projects initiated and completed during the previous administration.

The President also praised Buhari’s dedication to social welfare, particularly his efforts to address the plight of the less fortunate. Tinubu stressed that the former president “believed in targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.” The biography itself, a multi-volume work edited by Dr. Udu Yakubu with contributions from several close associates, chronicles Buhari’s journey from a military officer and Head of State (1983–1985) to his eventual return as a democratically elected President (2015–2023). Tinubu’s presence at the unveiling, where he was joined by a host of dignitaries, underscored the continuity of the political alliance forged between the two leaders that led to the historic 2015 victory.