Shehu Yar’Adua was a Symbol of National Conscience, Integrity–Tinubu

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, describing him as a symbol of national conscience, civic duty, and unwavering integrity.
Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday when he launched a new civic anthology titled ‘Letters to the Union We Hope to Become’.
The event, which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, marked the 28th anniversary of the elder statesman’s passing.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the President said the gathering was not merely a commemoration, but a renewal of the national values Yar’Adua fought for.
He said the Late Yar’Adua fought for justice, unity, accountability, and principled leadership, adding that these values form the pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking before an audience of political leaders, civil society actors, writers and members of the Yar’Adua family including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Tinubu said the late Tafida Katsina represented a rare blend of patriotism, sacrifice, and political clarity that continues to inspire generations.
“Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was not simply a soldier in uniform. He demonstrated conviction, political awareness, patriotism, and selflessness. In service and in sacrifice, he embodied that rare spirit that places Nigeria before self and comfort”, he stated.
Tinubu reflected on the letters Yar’Adua wrote from prison, noting that they remain a moral compass for governance.
“From the solitude of prison, without the certainty of tomorrow, he wrote letters calling us to responsibility, stressing that Nigeria must be governed by institutions stronger than individuals,” he said.
“These convictions shape our efforts today to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold transparency, and build trust between government and citizens”, he stressed.
The President described the anthology being launched as an encouraging sign of a new generation rising to engage with nation-building, adding that the collection echoes his administration’s priorities in education, economic opportunity, security, youth empowerment and public sector integrity.
“Our pursuit of economic stabilisation, energy reform, food security, digital innovation and social justice must be anchored in the values we celebrate today,” he said.