Former President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that he left office with the same physical assets he had before assuming the presidency, emphasizing his commitment to integrity and transparency during his time in office.
Buhari made the statement during a visit by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to his Kaduna residence.
In his remarks, Buhari encouraged leaders to prioritize the welfare of their citizens over personal gain, urging them to adopt a citizen-centric approach to governance.
He highlighted that leadership presents both challenges and opportunities, and balancing these elements is key to advancing national progress.
"Leadership is both a challenge and an opportunity. It is important to focus on the needs of the people and not personal welfare. I left office with the same physical assets I had before my presidency," Buhari told the visiting governors.
While reflecting on his tenure, Buhari expressed confidence in the continued success of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and reaffirmed the importance of consistent dedication to the country's development.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu's administration for renovating his home in Kaduna, stating that although the external appearance of the building remained the same, significant improvements were made to the interior.
"I thank President Tinubu for the work done on my home. It still looks the same outside, but inside, so much has been improved," he said.
Buhari went on to express his gratitude to the governors for their visit, saying that while he had worked with several of them, some others were new to him.
He also appreciated their continued respect and admiration, citing their ongoing efforts to support the APC's objectives.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who serves as the Chairman of the PGF, conveyed the governors' appreciation for Buhari's contributions to Nigeria's democracy and the formation of the APC.
Uzodinma also lauded Buhari for his public reaffirmation of the APC as his party of choice, emphasizing the lasting impact of his leadership on the party's identity and direction.
"Many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape our party's identity direction.
"We are especially gratified, only a few weeks ago, to hear your public affirmation that the APC remains your party of choice. That declaration could not have come at a better time. It reaffirmed your place as a pillar of our movement and provided reassurance to members of our party. Mr President, you are pan-Nigerian.
"Your Excellency, your legacy in Nigerian history is secure. You remain the only opposition candidate in our nation's history to have defeated an incumbent. You did not only win power, you governed with calm resolve and handed over, with honour, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful.
"Your administration gave expression to our party's core principles through your focus on security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption.
"Your efforts reclaimed territory from insurgents, extended social investment programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Program, and ushered in a road and rail revolution that is still bearing fruit. Programs such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme directly impacted food security.
"You taught us to produce what we eat and eat what we produce. You brought dignity to governance and deepened the progressive ethos of our party.
"Today, APC is being renewed and repositioned under your worthy successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His leadership is bold, reform-driven, and unshakably committed to progress. Your public endorsement of him in your recent birthday message was a powerful symbol of continuity and humility.
"Your Excellency, today we honour you, not just for your past service but for the enduring values you represent. We ask you to continue to support and guide us as we take the next steps to deepen progressive politics across the nation, and ensure that APC continues to be in power for a more prosperous Nigeria."
Comments