President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that no amount of criticism will deter him from making difficult decisions necessary for Nigeria’s progress.
Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday, May 13, during the public presentation of the autobiography of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, titled “Being True To Myself”, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the president emphasized his administration’s openness to constructive feedback.
“The president welcomes constructive criticism at all times in the spirit of freedom of speech and democratic engagement, but he will also never allow himself to be distracted from doing what is right for Nigeria,” Idris said.
A tribute to Lamido’s political legacy
President Tinubu congratulated Sule Lamido, a member of the opposition and frequent government critic, describing him as a vital figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“This is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the celebration of a life defined by courage, consistency, and commitment to democratic ideals,” he stated.
He noted that Lamido’s autobiography presents him as a principled politician whose story offers valuable insight into Nigeria’s political evolution.
“Sule Lamido, though a staunch member of the political opposition and often a critic of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), remains one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s political evolution.”
Reforms, vision, and anticipated results
Tinubu further defended the reforms introduced under his leadership, calling them tough but necessary to set Nigeria on a course of sustainable development.
“After a somewhat rocky start, owing to the toughness of the inevitable reforms, we are now entering an era of intended beneficial outcomes, underlined by macroeconomic stability.”
He urged Nigerians to be patient as the effects of those policies begin to take shape.
Dignitaries speak on Lamido’s book
Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, who chaired the event, was represented by former INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega. He described the autobiography as a rich, personal reflection.
“He has given us… a unique perspective on his background, experiences, challenges, triumphs, and post-factual reflections and analysis,” Jega said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who wrote the book’s foreword, revealed how he appointed Lamido as Minister of Foreign Affairs without knowing him personally.
“Despite not knowing him personally, I appointed him. He has an admirable character,” Obasanjo said.
Tinubu recommended the book to students, scholars, journalists, and politicians, saying it will remain a vital political reference for years to come.
