Buhari’s administration promoted local food production to grow Nigerian economy –Tinubu

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declares history will be kind to former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader, who ‘promoted local production of goods to grow our economy’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, his predecessor, promoted local production of goods to grow the Nigerian economy.

ConsumerConnect reports President Tinubu stated this Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in his address at the public presentation of a five-volume book on Buhari, held in Abuja, FCT.

Mr. Femi Adesina, a media professional and Special Adviser to Buhari on Media and Publicity, authored the book, entitled: “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023)”.

The authors of the five volumes of the book chronicled the essential Muhammadu Buhari, especially on his tenure and legacy as the 15th President of Nigeria.

Tinubu said: “History will also be kind to him as the leader who promoted local production of goods to grow our economy.”

The Nigerian leader also commended the organisers of the book launch for providing him the opportunity and ambience to reunite with his predecessor, former President Buhari, since he left office on May 29, 2023.

Tinubu as well noted that he was “extremely happy” to receive Buhari at the book presentation event in Abuja since he handed over power to him May 29, 2023.

The President also described Buhari as a great man, patriot and dedicated public servant, who offered his best in the service of the West African country since he joined the Army in 1962 at age 18.

Tinubu said in his remarks: “President Buhari served our country with dedication and uncommon zeal.

“First, as a military officer who offered unblemished service, manning important commands and political positions, and crowning it as military Head of State on 1st January 1984.

“Second, as a politician who ran four times for the  highest office until he was elected President in 2015.”

Appreciating Mr. Adesina, book author, for the work, the President stated: “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.

President Buhari assumed office at a very difficult period of our national life when the economy was spiralling into recession and Boko Haram had taken over swaths of our territory in North-East.”

On security challenges in Nigeria

While acknowledging the extant but deepening malaise of insecurity across the country, Tinubu however, assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to eliminating the current existential threat to the Nigerian sovereignty.

The President further noted in his address: “I must say the job of securing every inch of our country is yet to be finished.

“My government will stamp out the remaining vestiges of Boko Haram, Ansaru, banditry and kidnapping gangs.

“We won’t rest until every agent of darkness is completely rooted out.

Giving insight into the contents of the book earlier, Tinubu said the book, “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015-2023)” gives an “authoritative account of the stewardship of President Buhari.”

The President said: “Beyond what the Editor of these volumes has 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.”

According to him, in spite of his predecessor’s eight turbulent years, marked by acute shortage of revenue, COVID-19 pandemic that shut down the global economy for almost two years, Buhari’s administration embarked on “the most ambitious infrastructural renewal for the country”, including the second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Ibadan, as well as Warri-Itakpe Rail lines.

President Tinubu added: “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.”