President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that while he remains open to constructive criticism, he will not allow distractions to hinder his administration’s pursuit of progress and national development.
The president made this known on Tuesday during the public presentation of “Being True To Myself,” the autobiography of former governor and statesman, Sule Lamido. The high-profile event, held in Abuja, drew prominent political figures including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo. Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, chaired the event.
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, President Tinubu emphasized that while the reforms introduced by his administration have been tough, they are beginning to yield positive outcomes.
“The President welcomes honest and constructive criticism as a necessary component of democracy and free expression,” Idris said. “However, he remains undeterred and focused on doing what is right for Nigeria.”
Acknowledging that the country still faces significant challenges, Tinubu’s representative maintained that the president has shown uncommon courage in setting Nigeria on the course of real economic transformation.
“We are not claiming to have arrived or suggesting that more work is not needed. But what is clear is that the President has demonstrated bold leadership and vision in steering the country toward sustainable growth. After a challenging start due to the nature of these necessary reforms, we are now seeing signs of macroeconomic stability and intended benefits,” he said.
Speaking on national security, the Minister assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remains resolute in his mission to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and protect citizens from the threats posed by terrorist groups. He also commended the efforts and dedication of Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
Turning to the subject of the autobiography, Idris praised Sule Lamido as a courageous and principled figure whose political journey has significantly influenced Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
“This occasion is not just about launching a book. It is a tribute to a man who has shown consistency and dedication to democratic ideals,” he said. “Though often critical of the government and a prominent opposition figure, Sule Lamido stands tall as a key figure in Nigeria’s political evolution.”
The event offered a moment of reflection on leadership, legacy, and the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
