Former President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised for the tough decisions taken during his tenure while affirming his unwavering belief in the nation’s future.
This was contained in his address at the unveiling of books chronicling his presidency yesterday.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, witnessed the launch of two publications: “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, 2015 – 2023” and “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015 – 2023).”
Buhari, speaking at his first public appearance since leaving office, expressed deep gratitude to those who supported him during his presidency, including current President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
In a reflection of his time in office, Buhari highlighted the challenges and the tough choices faced by his administration.
Buhari acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Nigerian populace. He extended an apology to those who felt the weight of these decisions, emphasizing that they were never intended to cause pain or anguish.
He said, “With the cumulative achievements of government after government, I believe we will get there in no distant time.
“In our journey to the desired destination, there will be hard decisions taken, and the people will bear some costs. We can only seek their understanding, and state that there was no intention to deliberately inflict pain and anguish on anyone.
“This is why I apologised to such people at the end of our time in office. Sacrifices are still being made now, and will continue to be part of our national life and development.
“Governments will continually seek the understanding and support of the people they lead, for our ultimate good and goal.”
Buhari emphasised the importance of these publications in preserving the history of his administration.
“These books exemplify the sanctity of records, documenting the facts and figures, achievements and milestones of our nation,” he said.
In a conversation with Femi Adesina, his former media adviser and the author of one of the books, Buhari noted the significance of such documentation in providing a comprehensive account of their stewardship to the country.
He expressed similar sentiments about the contributions of Dr. Udu Yakubu and his colleagues.
“Without documentation, revisionism wins,” Buhari stated, emphasizing the importance of recorded history in countering attempts to distort or obliterate it.
He noted that his administration operated with transparency and accountability, always mindful of the judgement of posterity.
Reflecting on the nature of governance, Buhari described it as a continuum, akin to a relay race.
“You run your course, and hand over the baton to the next person,” he explained.
He expressed his support and confidence in President Tinubu’s administration and their shared vision for Nigeria.
In his address, President Bola Tinubu said he had adopted a policy of non-interference, which, he observed, was the hallmark of his predecessor in office.
Tinubu said as a democrat responsible for nation building, he had decided to emulate his predecessor.
The second was volume of five books, Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015 – 2023), edited by Dr. Udu Yakubu.
Tinubu stated: “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.
“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? How are you in the farm? We don’t hear from you either to nominate or intrude the cabinet or complain about anything. Thank you for being who you are.”
President Tinubu praised the efforts of the former president, noting the many battles he faced especially in the area of insecurity.
He said his administration would not rest until it got rid of those he called agents of darkness.
Tinubu stated: “You assumed office at a very difficult time in our nation’s life. The economy was going into recession. Boko Haram had taken over so many local governments and some parts of our country. It is easy to forget that United Nations Building was attacked here in Abuja.
“It’s easy to forget the role of armed forces. But if the book is carefully read and taught in terms 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 completely eliminated. It is a sovereign country.”
