…Unity, Peace Must Be Collective Responsibility – Abdulsalami
…Tinubu Laying Foundation for Real Growth – Minister
…We All Worked Against Jonathan – Amaechi
The public presentation of “Being True to Myself,” the autobiography of former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, held Tuesday in Abuja, became a convergence of political reflections, revelations, and renewed calls for national unity and development.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, delivering the keynote address, stated candidly that Nigeria has yet to become the nation of its citizens’ dreams. “Nigeria that we are working for, we haven’t gotten there. And I believe it is the responsibility of each of us to ensure that we get there. Our job is not finished until we are finished,” he declared.
Obasanjo also shared personal insights into how he appointed Lamido as Foreign Affairs Minister during his administration, recounting how a previous nominee for the position had declined, leading to Lamido’s emergence due to his close association with the original candidate. Commending Lamido’s legacy, Obasanjo added, “You performed creditably as a governor. You are in your own right now a statesman. The young shall grow—and you have grown.”
The Chairman of the occasion, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by former INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building.
“We all have a role to play to forge unity and engender peaceful coexistence, and contribute to the progress and development of Nigeria,” he said.
He lauded Lamido’s courage in writing the book, noting its value in offering a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape and encouraging others to document their experiences.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised Lamido for preserving political memory and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s democratic discourse.
“The book aptly reflects the man Sule Lamido—principled, consistent, and bold. I recommend it to students, scholars, journalists, and politicians alike,” the Minister stated.
Highlighting the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda, he added, “We are not where we need to be yet, but President Tinubu has shown uncommon audacity and vision to put Nigeria on the path of true growth and development. After a rocky start due to tough but necessary reforms, we are now seeing signs of macroeconomic stability and beneficial outcomes.”
The event also featured a moment of political candour from former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who disclosed that he and others had worked together to oppose former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 elections.
“All of us agreed to go against President Jonathan. We agreed to leave PDP, but Lamido disagreed—that was our point of divergence,” Amaechi revealed. “He was also the instrument behind my second term as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum. I’ve not seen any governor in Jigawa that surpassed Lamido in infrastructure.”
In his vote of thanks, Lamido expressed profound appreciation to those who attended, especially former President Obasanjo.
“I can never find enough words to express my profound gratitude to my boss, my guide, my leader, my inspiration—President Olusegun Obasanjo—for all he has done and continues to do for me since 1999. His love, trust, and confidence in me are clearly shown in the inspiring foreword he wrote and his presence here today. Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you,” he said.
The event attracted dignitaries, scholars, political stakeholders, and members of the public who celebrated Lamido’s contribution to Nigeria’s political journey through his memoir.
