President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration remains resolute in consolidating and strengthening the reform-oriented legacy of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He made this known at the launch of a new book authored by Malam Garba Shehu, a former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari.
The book, “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience”, chronicles Shehu’s professional journey and his years of service as presidential spokesperson.
The launch, held in Abuja on Wednesday, brought together statesmen, top government officials, and political leaders to honour both the author and the subject of his work.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu praised Buhari for laying a strong foundation for reforms across key sectors, promising to carry the torch forward through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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,” Tinubu said according to a statement by the director of information in the office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen.
He described the former President as a leader defined by integrity, accountability, prudence, and patriotism — values which, he noted, shaped Buhari’s fight against insecurity and his infrastructural strides.
According to President Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to build “a resilient, just, and inclusive Nigeria,” and aims to ensure the dividends of democracy are widely felt by all citizens.
In his remarks, the author of the book, Garba Shehu, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under Buhari and offered reflections on the lessons, challenges, and duties of managing presidential communication.
He said the book was intended as a resource for public communicators, scholars, policy makers, and Nigerians interested in governance.
The event was chaired by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who commended Buhari for his forthright leadership and integrity in handling the complex security and economic challenges Nigeria faced during his tenure.
“President Buhari deserves commendation for surmounting many of the inherited challenges with discipline and patriotism,” Gowon said, while also saluting the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the nation.
Also, speaking at the event, immediate-past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, reflected on Shehu’s journey from a practising journalist to presidential spokesman, praising his professionalism and composure during difficult moments.
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also shared insights on Buhari’s leadership, noting that Garba Shehu’s elevation from campaign spokesman to senior presidential media aide was merit-based and reflective of his stellar record in journalism.
He disclosed that the book, divided into three key parts, covers the inner workings of the presidency, Buhari’s leadership style, and a comprehensive overview of his legacy between 2015 and 2023.
The event was attended by several dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political, diplomatic, and media landscapes, further underscoring the national significance of the former President’s tenure and the lasting imprint it left on the country’s democratic journey.
