Leaders of Niger, Chad, Guinea Bissau commend Buhari’s leadership qualities

African leaders, who attended the release of the French version of the book titled ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’ in Niamey on Thursday, shared glowing testimonies on the leadership qualities of the Nigerian leader.

Mohamed Bazoum, President of the Republic of NigerUmaro Sissoko Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau, Head of the Transitional Military Council and President of Chad, General Mahamat Idris Déby Itno, and Mahamadou Issoufou, former President of the Republic of Niger, spoke at the launch of the French edition of President Buhari’s biography. John Peden is Professor of International Studies at George Mason University, Northern Virginia, USA.

The event coincided with the merger of the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification running from November 20 to 25, 2022 in the capital city of the Republic of Niger, as well as the extraordinary session on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Shortly after his arrival in Niamey, President Buhari first inaugurated a 3.8 km and 160 m wide boulevard named after him by the government of the Republic of Niger.

Speaking at the release of the book, the President of Niger described the Nigerian leader as “an ascetic, uncompromising, humble man, an ardent patriot and a committed democrat”.

“Professor John Peden, you were well motivated in choosing to write about the life and work of an extraordinary man. I appreciate the comprehensive, objective and patriotic, courageous military man, and conscientious politician that is President Muhammadu Buhari, Appreciate your work for throwing new light on the personality of.

“Nigeria is Niger’s main trading partner. It is therefore normal for any Nigerian politician to follow the development of political life in Nigeria. so i’ve followed closely Muhammadu BuhariPolitical struggle, especially his participation in the presidential elections from 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Mr. Bazoum revealed that the fight against Boko Haram is being waged in collaboration with Nigeria and other neighboring countries in the Lake Chad Basin, allowing him to discover in Mr. Buhari the strategist and statesman who is “the leader of his country and his deputy.” determined to ensure peace for -region.”

“His fight against corruption and for good governance has earned him the respect of all. It is a pleasure to work with someone with strong convictions like him.

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I am sure those who read this book will not miss out on useful lessons for their political or professional careers. They will not miss out on learning the lessons of life at all. This book will definitely educate the younger generation,” he said.

Mr Embalo, who is also the current president of ECOWAS, told guests at the event that his father was similarly called Muhammadu and was born in the same year as Muhammadu Buhari.

“I just want to emphasize that there is a mutual affection for this man. Today I am the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, one is God and the other is this man Baba. Thank you very much,” said the Guinea-Bissau leader.

Noting that the book is a portrait of a great African leader, he said:

“I pay tribute to President Buhari for his patriotism and commitment to maintaining peace in our sub-region.

“We have an avenue named after Buhari in Guinea Bissau since a year ago. Baba, as I fondly call him, is a mentor, always available to provide solutions. Baba is a tireless craftsman in maintaining peace and unity in the sub-region.

On his part, the President of Chad described President Buhari as a very experienced man with a great dream for Nigeria and a clear vision for Africa.

“President Buhari brings to all of us a legacy and a source of wisdom. Thank you, Mr. President, for this priceless gift.

“President Buhari is undoubtedly a role model whose role and actions make the African voice heard in the world. He has always contributed to the development of Africa by protecting and defending Africa and Africans. You are undoubtedly a role model. You taught us perseverance in politics.

“As a key actor in the fight against terrorists and cross-border insecurity, especially in the Lake Tchad region where Boko Haram is located, I would like to use this opportunity to commend the relationship between my country Tchad and Nigeria and President Buhari especially in these difficult times for their availability,” he said.

Mr Issoufou, former President of Niger, praised the incumbent for launching the French edition of the book, the idea of ​​which was thought up during his tenure as President.

He recalled that he had graced the launch of the English version of the book in Abuja in 2016, commending the author for documenting the life of “an extraordinary man”.

”As a military head of state, his primary business was fighting corruption, and even now as a democratic president, he is a leader who knows the close relationship between security, democracy and development.

His fight against Boko Haram, organized crime and corruption is noteworthy. His priorities include education and health development, climate change, democratic change.

“I agree with John Paden’s statement that Buhari is known for his patience, respect, loyalty and sense of duty. This enabled him to rule Nigeria separately from a military leader.

The former president said, “He is Mr. Dignity and Mr. Truth as he is called and a sincere friend of Niger.”

One of the book reviewers, Abdullah Adamu, former Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), said that President Buhari has rightly earned the name ‘My Gaskia’, which means, “someone who keeps his words”. Is”.

He said that the author, John Peden, has provided an unbiased biography of the current Nigerian President, where he has highlighted the qualities of President Buhari that many people may not know about.

He added, “The author is very qualified to give an account of President Buhari’s involvement in Nigerian politics in the 1970s and 80s.”

Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, recalled the role played by the President’s nephew, Mammen Daura, in the publication of the book, calling him the initiator and driving force.

“This is a book on the personality, character, content of President Buhari, what he stood for and what he still stands for,” Mr. Sirika said.

Mr. Sirika and three other Nigerians, Oriental Energy Resources (OER) chairman Mohammed Indimi, MRS Holdings Ltd chief executive officer Sayu Dantata and All Progressives chief Farooq Adamu Aliyu received the award from the President of Niger for their roles. In promoting excellent bilateral relations between Nigeria and Niger.

Oil mogul Indimi donated 1000 free copies of the book to the delegates of the AU summit in Niamey.

The ceremony was also attended by the Speaker of the Niger National Assembly, Seni Oumarou, the Prime Minister, Ouhoumadou Mahamadou, the High Representative of the President of the Republic of Niger, Foumakoye Gado, and the heads of institutions of the republic.

garba shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)