Arrangements have been concluded for the public presentation of a new book that offers an insider’s view into the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The book, authored by Malam Garba Shehu, who served as the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the former president, is titled “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience.”

Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, Shehu said the publication is aimed at serving as a resource material for students of communication, media practitioners, public relations professionals, and researchers who are interested in presidential communications and governance.

According to the former presidential spokesman, the 260-page book is not a personal memoir, but a comprehensive guide drawn from his experience working at the highest level of government. He explained that the book captures the challenges, triumphs, and behind-the-scenes narratives of working closely with a Nigerian president, and is intended to inspire students and young professionals aspiring to careers in journalism and strategic communication.

“This is not a personal biography,” Shehu emphasized. “It is a guide and a compendium of lessons, written to inspire students who are looking to pursue a career in journalism and public relations. It also serves as an authoritative account of what President Buhari did with his eight years in office.”

The book, he noted, chronicles key decisions, policy shifts, and governance strategies adopted by the Buhari administration, while also shedding light on the personal habits, leadership style, and work ethic of the former president. “It brings President Buhari up close: how did he govern, what did he eat, and even the clothes he wore for specific occasions,” Shehu added.

Shehu pointed out that the work builds on previous accounts by other key figures in the administration, including Mr. Femi Adesina, who served as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. While acknowledging that it is impossible to document every major action of the administration within the confines of a single volume, Shehu expressed hope that the book would offer a solid foundation for further academic and journalistic exploration of the Buhari years.

The publication also delves into landmark reforms initiated during the former president’s tenure, especially in the areas of transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption. According to Shehu, some of the legacy projects of the Buhari administration included the institution of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the widespread adoption of the Bank Verification Number (BVN), the implementation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), the Tax Identification Number (TIN) system, the National Identification Number (NIN) initiative, and the Whistleblower policy.

“These policies brought a culture of personal integrity and set new benchmarks in transparency and accountability in governance,” Shehu said. “They laid a foundation for a more self-reliant Nigeria.”

He described the book as both analytical and anecdotal in its approach, combining data with stories from a broad range of reporters, editors, and presidential staffers. He also revealed that the book discusses the dynamics of media relations during times of crisis, including how the presidency managed communication in the face of criticism, misinformation, and high public expectations.

The launch of the book is expected to draw attention from scholars, journalists, political analysts, and key players in Nigeria’s media and governance space.

As the nation continues to debate the legacy of the Buhari administration, “According to the President” is poised to become a critical addition to the growing body of literature documenting the country’s democratic journey and the role of the media in governance.

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