By Terhemba Daka, Abuja 17 January 2024 | 5:21 am President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, stunned guests when he declared that, like his predecessor in office, Muhammadu Buhari, he has adopted a non-interference policy to promote democracy in the country. Former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo(left); President Bola Tinubu; ex-President Muhamadu Buhari; his wife, Aisha and one-time Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, during presentation of the book, ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 -2023)’, authored by erstwhile presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, in Abuja…yesterday. President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, stunned guests when he declared that, like his predecessor in office, Muhammadu Buhari, he has adopted a non-interference policy to promote democracy in the country. At the official launch of two books, including one titled, “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023), authored by former presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President said as a democrat responsible for nation building, he has decided to emulate his predecessor. The second was a 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 on the farm? We don’t hear from you either to nominate or intrude in 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 that it’s not easy. But I went out there dancing for it, making promises, doing Kokoma, doing all collabos, and making music. So, I cannot complain. We will be there,” he added. Tinubu said he is poised to deliver on the promises he made to Nigerians during the campaigns. Lauding the ex-leader, the President recalled the many battles Buhari faced, especially in the area of insecurity, assuring that his administration would not rest until it rids the country of those he called agents of darkness. He continued: “You 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 the United Nations building was attacked here in Abuja. “It’s easy to forget the role of the armed forces. But if the book is carefully read and taught in terms of substance in our various schools, the job of securing every inch of our nation may not be completed, but you did a wonderful job. And we will not rest, I promise you, until every agent of darkness is completely eliminated. It is a sovereign country.” Tinubu affirmed that his removal of fuel subsidy has stopped those, who he said, were fleecing Nigerians. In his remarks, Buhari, who was visiting the nation’s capital for the first time since leaving office last May, assured that he kept record of everything done under his watch, adding that he was aware that he might be required to give account of his stewardship someday. While appreciating efforts of the authors to document his administration’s achievements, Buhari submitted: “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.” 2 hours ago Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised unspecified number of Boko Haram and Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) fighters during a significant week-long offensive against terrorists in Borno State. 2 hours ago There was pandemonium in Ibadan the capital of Oyo State at about 7:18pm yesterday when an explosion rocked the city leaving many residents panicky. While some speculated it was an earth tremor, others insisted it was an explosion 2 hours ago President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, stunned guests when he declared that, like his predecessor in office, Muhammadu Buhari, he has adopted a non-interference policy to promote democracy in the country. 2 hours ago Lagos State Government has stressed the need for green and improved air quality across the state to ensure healthy living for the citizenry, noting that the current air quality in many parts of the state as indicated in the state’s Air Quality Index is unhealthy. 2 hours ago Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has summoned an emergency meeting over the worsening state of insecurity in Abuja.The security situation in the capital city has worsened in the last months with kidnappers and bandits holding the city by the jugular. 3 hours ago Federal Government, yesterday, inaugurated four presidential committees to reform the housing sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, giving them eight weeks to submit their recommendations. 3 hours ago Fresh crises are brewing over Shell’s planned exit from the onshore segment of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry while Nigerian firms scout $4.5 billion to buy out the assets of the company and those of ExxonMobil and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC). 3 hours ago After numerous calls for urgent action to stem the tide of killings and abduction epidemic across the country, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, met with his service chiefs and other heads of security agencies at the State House 3 hours ago The Federal Government has partnered with Yikodeen, a footwear manufacturing company in Lagos, for a shoemaking and leather crafting training programme. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education 3 hours ago Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, yesterday, urged President Bola Tinubu to factor in the Southwest in his developmental agenda for the nation.
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