Buhari hails Tinubu at midterm, urges Nigerians to be patient with reforms

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his second year anniversary in government and urged Nigerians to remain patient and resilient in the face of ongoing reforms.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari encouraged citizens to continue supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, emphasizing that effective leadership is a long-term journey that thrives on unity and endurance.

The former president commended Tinubu for navigating the country through difficult but essential reforms, stressing that “desired changes must not fall victim to nettlesome domestic politics.”

He acknowledged the economic strain currently felt by Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable, but stressed that the hardship is not without purpose.

“Reforms take time to yield results. The task of reducing poverty and inflation, which have hit the poorest families the hardest, is immense and must not be left only for the government. The private sector and all of us as citizens must join in all ways we can”, Buhari said.

The former president’s message comes at a time of both reflection and challenge for the Tinubu administration, which has launched several ambitious economic and institutional reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

While supporters highlight the groundwork being laid for long-term prosperity, critics have questioned the immediate impact on living standards.

Buhari, who handed over to Tinubu in May 2023, offered a tempered but encouraging outlook.

“Our expectations from our governments should not get heavy,” he cautioned, calling for balanced civic engagement and collective responsibility in nation-building.

“I am wishing President Tinubu heartfelt congratulations on his two years in office. May you keep leading with wisdom and care”, the former president prayed.