President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, commended his predecessor, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, for refraining from meddling in the formation of his 48-member cabinet last August.
In Abuja, the President addressed the audience during the book launch of ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media, and Publicity (2015-2023),’ a publication authored by former presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina.
Expressing gratitude to Buhari, who transferred power to him on May 29, 2023, marking the conclusion of two consecutive eight-year terms, Tinubu conveyed appreciation to his predecessor for embodying statesmanship.
Tinubu, who addressed the room crowded with serving and former political office holder, said, “After handing over, you (Buhari) said, ‘I will be far away in Daura but if you need me, contact me. I won’t intrude in whatever you are doing. I won’t interfere. I won’t breathe down on your throat’.
“We’ve partnered to make democracy flourish in Nigeria, thank you.
“Except when I call him (on the phone) to say, ‘Are you living, are you going to the farm?’, you don’t hear from him (Buhari) either to nominate or intrude in the cabinet or complain about issues. Thank you for being who you are.”
Aisha Buhari, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and various other dignitaries, including chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were present at the book launch.