ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former President Muhammadu Buhari affirmed the transparency and accountability of his administration, stating that records were meticulously kept to account for the trust placed in him during his eight-year tenure.
Buhari made these remarks during the launch of two books chronicling his achievements: “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser Media and Publicity (2015–2023),” authored by Femi Adesina, and “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015–2023),” edited by Dr. Udu Yakubu, featuring contributions from about a hundred individuals.
During his first visit to the nation’s capital since leaving office in May 29, 2023, Buhari emphasized that his administration operated without secrecy, and nothing was done behind closed doors.
He praised the authors for documenting his administration’s achievements, noting the importance of record-keeping to prevent distortion or erasure of recent history.
Buhari acknowledged the inevitable challenges and hard decisions in governance, urging understanding from the people.
He expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence in the quest for a nation where the populace experiences emancipation.
In his reflection on the continuity of government, Buhari likened it to a relay race, stating that his administration had handed over the baton to the next leadership.
He recognized the ongoing sacrifices in the country and affirmed that governments would always seek the understanding and support of the people for the greater good and national development.
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Addressing potential revisionism and deliberate falsehoods about his tenure, Buhari took solace in the existence of records, stating that facts would ultimately prove detractors wrong.
He emphasized the enduring nature of records in preserving the truth about his administration’s stewardship.
Buhari stated: “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.
“But the fact in our favour is that nothing was done under the veil of secrecy. We were as transparent and accountable as possible, being aware of the fact that posterity was the ultimate judge.
“We kept records of our stewardship, knowing that we would always be required to account for the trust entrusted to us. This event today is part of accounting for our two terms in office, and I thank those who have laboured day and night to ensure this history is recorded for now and the future.
“Government is a continuum. It is like a relay race. You run your course, and hand over the baton to the next person. This we have done.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 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.
“This is why I apologized to such people at the end of our time in office. Sacrifices are still being made now, and will continue to be part of our national life and development. ”Governments will continually seek the understanding and support of the people they lead, for our ultimate good and goal.
“Let revisionists not rejoice that they have the ultimate say in the bid to distort history. Facts and records will ultimately prove them wrong.
”When some people engage in deliberate falsehood and distortion of facts that pertain to our tenure in office, I take solace in the fact that records are there, and will remain inviolable.”