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Bashir Ahmad, OON
@BashirAhmaad
During his address at the public presentation of From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Tinubu reflected on the enduring pillars that define the legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari.
First, humility—President Buhari embraced simplicity over ornamentation. He believed that leadership begins with self-discipline—that a leader must first discipline himself before attempting to discipline a system. He lived modestly and carried the dignity of that modesty into the highest office of the land.
Second, security—President Buhari understood that security is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity. He invested in personnel and platforms, strengthened institutional capacities across the armed services, and pursued reforms designed to endure beyond headlines. He recognised that safety means protecting both the state and its citizens.
Third, vision—He believed in long-term thinking, constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising airports, and renewing critical infrastructure, while emphasising maintenance and sustainability as essential to national progress.
Fourth, social justice—He was committed to targeted social investments, ensuring that governance did not lose sight of the poor and the vulnerable.
These pillars define President Buhari’s legacy. Yet, as President Tinubu noted, a legacy remains alive only when those who come after choose to sustain and advance it. “That is my duty,” he said, “and that is our collective duty as a nation.”
President Buhari loved Nigeria consistently, morning after morning, decision after decision, remaining faithful to the oath he took. Even those who disagreed with him often acknowledged his honesty and integrity.
Reflecting on their shared political journey, President Tinubu emphasised that cooperation across differences is not weakness, but wisdom. Nation-building, he said, requires passionate competition and responsible governance. President Buhari understood that while contests may divide, the oath to serve must unite.
Nigeria, he concluded, is greater than any tribe, language, faith, or political party. This book reminds us that one life, lived with restraint and responsibility, can inspire a nation—and that true nation-building is the work not only of leaders, but of the entire citizenry.
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