Tinubu: ex-president doesn’t interfere in my govt

President Bola Tinubu yesterday said that his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, does not interfere in the running of his government.

The President who was guest at the launch of two books on the Buhari eight-year period as President, said: “You don’t hear from him (Buhari), either to nominate or intrude in the cabinet or complain about issues.

”Recalling the promises the former President made to him while exiting office on May 29, last year, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a great man, a patriot and a dedicated public servant, who served the country with dedication and uncommon zeal.

”The President thanked Buhari for his contributions to the development of the country and pledged to continue where he stopped.He added: “I am, therefore, extremely happy to receive him here in Abuja. We are all here to honour a great man, a patriot, a dedicated public servant, who offered his best in the service of our country since he joined the army in 1962 at age 18.

“When President Buhari was leaving office, he said he would retire to Daura, far away from Abuja, to enjoy his well-deserved retirement from public service. I remember he added that if his supporters and friends deny him enough rest in Daura, he would run to the Republic of Niger.”

In a very jocular manner, Tinubu said: “Well, as you all know, he can no longer escape to Niger Republic because of the border closure.

”As the dignitaries roared in laughter, the President turned to Buhari, saying: “After handing over, you (Buhari) said: ‘I will be far away in Daura, but if you need me, contact me. I won’t intrude on whatever you are doing. I won’t interfere. I won’t breathe down on your throat.

His words: “Except when I call him (on the phone) to say, ‘ How are you? 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.

”The President also thanked the authors of the book for creating the opportunity for him to physically meet Buhari since May 29, 2023.

He said: “The authors of the books we are here to present to the public have done justice to the essential Muhammadu Buhari, especially on his tenure and legacy as the 15th President of Nigeria.

“I particularly thank Femi( Adesina) for using his memoirs to let us into the challenging eight years of the administration and how his principal steered the ship of state.

“Beyond what the editors of the second book have recorded as the achievements of President Buhari in his eight years as a democratically-elected President, history will also be kind to him as the leader who promoted local production of goods to grow our economy.

“Whatever unresolved challenges faced by President Buhari in his eight years, our administration will endeavour to resolve them. As I said during the campaigns, I inherited all his assets and liabilities.

“Our administration will continue to work from where President Buhari stopped, to make our country better, create a vibrant economy and secure the environment to bring more prosperity to our people.”