BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 28, 2025 | 04:23 PM
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu clocks two years in office, former President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to manage their expectations of government, stressing that meaningful change takes time and collective effort.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu on Wednesday said, Buhari advised citizens not to weigh the government down with overwhelming demands, noting, 'Our expectations from our governments should not get heavy.'
The comment, which forms the crux of his midterm goodwill message to President Tinubu, reflects Buhari’s recurring belief in patience and continuity in governance.
He congratulated Tinubu on reaching the mid-point of his administration and described leadership as “a continuous journey.”
Buhari threw his weight behind the Tinubu-led administration’s reform agenda, particularly its efforts to combat inflation and poverty, two issues he acknowledged have hit the poorest families the hardest.
While praising the government’s efforts, the former president urged Nigerians to recognize that governance is not the sole responsibility of elected leaders.
'The private sector and all of us as citizens must join in all ways we can,' he said.
He also warned that much-needed reforms should not become casualties of “nettlesome domestic politics,” reiterating the importance of stability and unity in achieving national goals.
Buhari concluded his message with a personal note to the president: 'I am wishing President Tinubu heartfelt congratulations on his two years in office. May you keep leading with wisdom and care.'
The statement comes at a pivotal moment as Nigerians continue to assess the administration’s performance, while also grappling with ongoing economic challenges.