PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Tuesday hinted that he has adopted a policy of non-interference, which he observed, was the hallmark of his predecessor in office, Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking in Abuja at the official launch of two books including one titled, “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023), written by former presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, he said as a democrat responsible for nation building, he has 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.”
“Well, I’ve emulated you, one of those things is non-interference, being a democrat, responsible for nation building. Staying on course, I am determined to do just that. Because, I campaigned for this job. And you told me in our discussions it’s not easy. But I went out there dancing for it, making promises, doing Kokoma, doing all collabos, making music. So, I cannot complain. We will be there,” he added.
He said his administration would not rest until it got rid of those he called agents of darkness.
According to Tinubu, “You (Buhari) assumed office at a very difficult time in our nation’s life. The economy was going into recession. Boko Haram has 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.
Speaking further about Buhari, he stated: “When you left the office, you left many battles and a bunch of tasks for me for continuity. And I told people I inherited the asset and liability of my predecessor no matter what you say.
“Being here face to face with you is a great documentation of history, candour, integrity and character.”
Tinubu also affirmed that his removal of petroleum subsidy has stopped those who he said were fleecing Nigerians.
He added: “It is been a wonderful time for our nation. Very wonderful indeed. We are facing the rollercoaster. Same battle too. We removed subsidy, we stopped those people from fleecing Nigerians. Yes. I know they will complain. It is the same thing all over. The lesson is learned from you.
In his remark at the occasion, Buhari, who was visiting the nation’s capital for the first time since leaving office on May 29, 2023, revealed that he kept record of everything done under his administration as he said that he was aware that he might be required to give account of his stewardship.
While noting the efforts of the authors of the books to document his administration’s achievements, Buhari stated: “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.
“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.
“We kept records of our stewardship, knowing that we would always be required to account for the trust entrusted to us. This event today is part of accounting for our two terms in office, and I thank those who have laboured day and night to ensure that this history is recorded for now and the future,”Buhari remarked.
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