Buhari’s government integrity culture praised as Garba Shehu reflects on former President’s legacy during his book launch in Abuja on Tuesday
Buhari’s government integrity culture was brought into focus on Tuesday as Garba Shehu, former presidential spokesperson, reflected on Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy during the launch of his new book.
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The event took place in Abuja and attracted interest from media professionals, political analysts, and public relations practitioners.
The book, titled According to the President: Lessons from Presidential Spokespersons, aims to be a valuable educational tool.
According to Shehu, it serves students, journalists, and communication strategists by offering a comprehensive account of President Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
But more than just documentation, it celebrates the values that defined Buhari’s leadership, particularly personal integrity.
Addressing journalists at the event, Shehu remarked, “President Buhari wanted his work to speak for him, and he wanted it to be on the doorstep of the poor.”
He described Buhari’s understated approach to leadership, one that prioritised impact over applause.
In his view, the Buhari government integrity culture represented a departure from traditional political norms.
“Buhari’s government made sincere efforts to improve the quality of life of farmers, youths, promoters of small businesses, and even traders, in addition to strengthening the nation’s infrastructure,” he said.
The book does not just offer insider reflections but seeks to educate the next generation of media and government professionals.
Shehu noted that by highlighting communication lessons from the presidency, the publication provides essential insights into the often complex relationship between statecraft and public messaging.
Observers at the launch praised the effort as timely.
At a period when political narratives shift rapidly, the memoir is expected to anchor debate around Buhari’s administration with verified records and first-hand experience.
One participant, a media scholar from the University of Abuja, stated, “We live in a time where history is contested. A book like this helps ensure that the official records and personal memories are available for study.”
The Buhari government integrity culture, according to Shehu, extended into the personal conduct of public officials during that era.
He emphasised that Buhari maintained high standards in dealing with public finances and leadership ethics.
“Buhari’s emphasis on discipline and service deeply influenced his staff and the ministries,” Shehu added.
He also addressed criticism of Buhari’s communication style, acknowledging that while the former president was often quiet in public discourse, his preference for action over oratory was deliberate.
“He believed that talking less and doing more was the best form of leadership,” Shehu explained.
As Nigeria looks toward a new era of political leadership, the conversation around legacy and integrity remains critical.
Shehu’s book contributes to this by offering a curated window into the workings of the presidency and the values it upheld.
The book is expected to feature in public relations and journalism courses across Nigerian universities.
It also opens up the opportunity for more former government insiders to document their experiences in ways that inform, challenge, and educate.
In a political climate often driven by short-term narratives, According to the President stands as an invitation to reflect deeply on leadership, loyalty, and integrity in public office.
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Its release underscores a growing recognition of the need for institutional memory in governance and communication.
