Former President Muhammadu Buhari says Femi Adesina, his erstwhile spokesperson has done the nation a favour by writing a book in his honour.
Buhari spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the public presentation of Adesina’s book titled “Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)”.
Another book titled “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (Volume 1-5)” was also launched alongside Adesina’s book.
Buhari’s presence at the book launch was his first official visit to Abuja since he left government and returned to his native Daura in Katsina state, after handing over power to President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
The former president said he felt delighted returning to Abuja, noting that the book launch was worthy of temporarily bringing him out of his resting in his native Daura back to the FCT.
“The two publications launched today; Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, 2015 – 2023, written by Femi Adesina, who served as my Media Adviser for eight years, and a volume of five books, Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015 – 2023), edited by Dr. Udu Yakubu, are worthy to temporarily bring me out of resting in my native Daura, back to the city,” Buhari said.
“These books presented today once again exemplify the sanctity of records, and the role they play in documenting facts and figures, achievements and milestones, either in our personal lives, or in the life of a nation.
“I told Adesina when he visited me in Daura with an advance copy of his book, he has done the nation a favour in writing it, as he has provided a one-stop shop on our stewardship to the country. The same has also been done by Dr. Udu Yakubu and his colleagues.
“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.”
Buhari further said Tinubu’s administration has his full support and confidence in the quest to have the Nigeria of our dreams.
He also said he is committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Government is a continuum. It is like a relay race. You run your course, and hand over the baton to the next person,” Buhari added.
“This we have done, and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has my support and confidence, in the quest for us to have a country of our dreams, where there is emancipation for our teeming population.
“With the cumulative achievements of government after government, I believe we will get there in no distant time.
“In our journey to the desired destination, there will be hard decisions taken, and the people would bear some costs.
“We can only seek their understanding, and state that there was no intention to deliberately inflict pain and anguish on anyone.
“I remain committed to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The former president added that he has abiding faith in the strength, unity and future of Nigeria.