By Chesa Chesa
Activities marking the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office peaked last week as several events were held in Abuja in his honour. One of the remarkable ones was the colourful unveiling of two books – biographies – to salute his statesmanship and positive impact of his governance on Nigeria. The two books were separately written by two persons who know President Buhari well and decided to pen what they know and believe of his contributions to Nigeria’s statehood.
The first book aptly titled “The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari” was authored by Senator Abu Ibrahim, a long time associate and trusted confidante of President Buhari. Senator Ibrahim, whose journey intertwines with Buhari’s through various political landscapes, offers in the book a unique perspective on the President’s leadership style and his commitment to Nigeria’s progress. Ibrahim’s account paints a vivid picture of a man who weathered storms and surmounted obstacles to leave an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
The second biography is titled “State of Repair: How Muhammadu Buhari Tried to Change Nigeria for Good,” and was written by Antony Goldman, a seasoned political risk specialist with deep roots in Africa. The book offers a candid and critical examination of Buhari’s ambitious attempts at reforms in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Goldman comes with a wealth of experience in advising the private sector across Africa, and his incisive analysis unveils the challenges faced by Buhari’s administration and the concerted efforts made to combat terrorism, poverty, and corruption among others.
The launch of the two books held at he State House Conference Center, Abuja and the Masters of Ceremony were Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, and renown compere, Ebere Young. The book reviews were expertly delivered by former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi and the erudite Prof. Abubakar Sadique, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja adding depth and intellectual rigor to the occasion.
The presence of prominent figures such as Dr. Ahmad Lawan, President of the Senate, the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, further underscored the significance of the event, which also attracted dignitaries from around the world, including the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, who was Chairman of the event. The Ghanaian leader affirmed that profound impact of President Buhari’s leadership reverberated beyond Nigeria’s borders, and he showered encomiums on the outgoing Nigerian leader.
President Akufo-Addo profusely expressed his admiration for Buhari’s accomplishments, particularly commending his triumphs in combating the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, a as well as Buhari’s pivotal role in diversifying Nigerian agriculture sector, and revitalizing the economy.
Akufo-Addo further acknowledged Buhari’s extensive regional and international engagements as well as significant contributions as Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, and his relentless efforts in coordinating the fight against COVID-19 within the ECOWAS region.
The Ghanaian leader equally commended the authors for penning down Buhari’s legacy to be remembered positively for generations to come, and even humorously confessed his wish for a book to be similarly written about himself. Overall. Akufo-Addos warm tributes, which drew several rounds of applause from the audience, underscored the profound impact of Buhari’s leadership on Nigeria, West Africa, and the rest of the world.
The authors stressed that President Buhari’s transformative initiatives, highlighted in the biographies, have garnered admiration both within Nigeria and internationally. They pointed out his commitment to diversifying Nigerian agriculture which has yielded remarkable results, enhancing agricultural productivity and contributing to the revival of the economy. These accomplishments vindicate the trust placed in Buhari by the Nigerian people, ensuring his continuity in office and paving the way for a brighter future under his successor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They added that the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, an ongoing process under President Buhari’s steadfast leadership, serves as a testament to his determination to establish normalcy and security in Nigeria. His tireless efforts have not only instilled hope in the hearts of Nigerians but have also earned him respect and admiration across the region and beyond.
Several speakers at the event pointed out that Buhari’s legacies as told by those who have witnessed it firsthand, would impact on future generations and serve as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of visionary leadership. It means that while President Buhari’s journey to Aso Rock has come to an end, his legacy will continue to shape the course of Nigeria’s history for years to come, as the biographies captured the essence of a remarkable leader and will undoubtedly serve as a testament to the enduring impact of his tenure.
Generous donations towards the launch of the biographies were received on he occasion from the grateful friends, associates and admirers of both authors and President Buhari, as well as other distinguished guests. Over N500 million raised during the event. Notable donations in form of purchase of the books were made by Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, who contributed N200 million, while Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, contributed N100 million. Philanthropist and business mogul, Muhammed Idimi displayed his support by purchasing copies of the books for N100 million. The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, demonstrated their deep appreciation for President Buhari’s transformative leadership by collectively acquiring copies of the biographies for N40 million.
The generous outpouring of support and the substantial funds raised during the event serve as a testament to the donors’ appreciation for indelible impact that President Buhari has made on the nation, while it can also be seen as a resounding endorsement of his efforts to drive positive change and create a more prosperous and secure future for the country.
