A lyrically gifted nine-year-old boy stole the show at Wednesday’s launch of a book, “According to the President,” authored by a veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Garba Shehu.
For some minutes, the boy, Muhammadu Buhari, named after Nigeria’s immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, kept the audience captivated with words that were unexpected to people his age.
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The audience included a former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume and the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero.
“I am the Buhari in us, not just the man but the meaning,” he told the crowd rhythmically.
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“He walked like a whisper through a marketplace of noise, unshaken by applause, unbent by insult,” the young Buhari said, describing the former president.
“The Buhari in us rises early, eats humbly, and acts when both heart and head agree. He wore power like plain clothes, no embroidery, no excess, only weight,” he said, peering over the top of the podium.
“Discipline to him isn’t old-fashioned, it is the spine of a strong nation.”
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The young Buhari easily seems wise beyond his years, impressing everyone at the event held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
He did not throw away his shot as he continued performing his way straight to the top.
“Patriotism is not a chance, it is not the noise, it is a sacrifice,” he said boldly. “It is to say that I will not feast where my people starve; I won’t wave a flag I will not defend.”
For the young Buhari, who hails from Kogi State, patriotism is to “speak Hausa, Igala, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, Fulani, and still say that I am a Nigerian first.”
So, he said, “Let us rise, not in rage, but in reason, not in noise, but in nationhood. Let the man be remembered, but let the meaning awaken.”
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“I am Muhammadu Buhari, not of Daura but of discipline. Not of tribe but of truth. Not of self but of service.”
As he concluded his presentation, Messrs Gowon, Atiku and Bayero stood in appreciation of the young boy.
After his presentation, instead of walking off the stage, he made his way to the VIP section and began greeting the dignitaries at the event.
Mr Gowon, the Nigerian leader between 1966 and 1975, stood up to shake his hand, and Mr Bayero did the same.
Atiku called him over for a special photo while Mr Akume rose and embraced him.
His father, Abdullahi Haruna, helps him dream big and digest serious discussions.
“For my son, Muhammadu Buhari, it was a beautiful outing as he shone in the awesome grace of God,” Mr Haruna wrote on Facebook.
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