I am a former military ruler, now a converted democrat - Buhari | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Tuesday 17 March 2015

I am a former military ruler, now a converted democrat - Buhari

Below is the text of address by APC presidential candidate Gen. Buhari at an Interactive Session with the Nigerian Press Organisation, NPO in Abuja today Tuesday 17th March...
Thank you for honoring me with your presence here today. Thank you for heeding my invitation to this special meeting with key stakeholders in the Nigerian media. Our country is on the verge of something new. The tide has turned and the world can sense the wave of change that is about to flood this nation. In less than two weeks, the Nigerian electorate will head to the polls to make their voices heard.
Through the ballot, without a single shot fired, a change revolution will likely take place. There are two specific reasons why I have invited you here today.

The first is to use the opportunity to say a special thank you to the Nigerian media for the role you have played in advancing our country’s democracy thus far, and especially for being a platform through which Nigerians’ cry for CHANGE was articulated all around the world.

On newspaper pages, TV screens and radio waves, the alarming depth of corruption and impunity in our country, the terrifying level of insecurity, and the grim state of our economy were kept constantly before the world’s eyes, making it impossible for the current government to doctor the truth, despite their meanest efforts. I urge you to not relent in your role as watchdogs, to continue to be the voice of the people. The health of Nigeria’s democracy rests partly on you.

Without a robust and thriving media, the masses would have no voice. The electorate would also not have sufficient information to make sound decisions, such as deciding to vote out a clueless government and vote in CHANGE. Secondly, I want to give you my full assurances that in this democratic dispensation, I will ensure that the Nigerian constitution is upheld. This includes respect for the media, respect for the right to free expression and freedom of speech. Page 1 of 2 any of you are aware of Decree 4 of 1984, which was heavily criticised. I have said elsewhere that I cannot change the past. But I can change the present and the future.

Dictatorship goes with military rule as do edicts such as Decree 4. However, I am a former–former, note the emphasis on the word ‘former’–military ruler and now a converted democrat, who is ready to operate under democratic norms. I am not only subjecting myself to the rigours of democratic elections for the fourth time, but even after being elected, I will continue to promote the consolidation of democracy in our great country, Nigeria, by guaranteeing that the media’s freedom is not compromised in any way.

I give you my full assurances that the Nigerian media will be free under our APC government. I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to you to use your media outlets in shaping positive public discourse and eschew hate speech mongering and slanderous political rhetorics which heat up the polity for the sake of peace and stability of our dear nation.

Thank you, once again, for being here this afternoon. I look forward to working with you in future, and to similar meetings which shall take place on a regular basis to keep the Nigerian people constantly informed about the activities of the government that they will have elected to serve them. General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

245 comments:

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Anonymous said...

he is commending the media and that is as a result of what GEJ did by agreeing to freedom of speech if we had GMB as president by now media would have died so GEJ for naija youth, fathers, mothers VOTE GEJ for your future this man has no agenda if he does he should go for debate

Anonymous said...

You are draft I am sure your father is an okada man. Okada is a risk to ppls life. So they should get rid of them and figure a way to create jobs for the people. What have you. Benefitted under GEJ? Tell me one thing? Moron!!!

Anonymous said...

Speech no Speach olodo like Patience Good luck!!! You will forever live blind and in poverty. I am sure you like poverty

Anonymous said...

Grace n lie is what you are. Tell me one thing you've achieved from GEJ administration? Brainwashed people .anyone following GEJ are olodos like his wife. You know nothing about 9ja economy wise shut up and keep watching.

Anonymous said...

Did you go to school at all? Charles de Gaulle was a military leader when France was in trouble they called for him. Bihari was once a military leader and now a democrat we need him cause we are in trouble.

Anonymous said...

Did you read his pledges?,Debate does not change 9ja situation.. Did Gej Go for debate in 2011 so why would GMB .olodo no facts I am sure the Lil mega bytes you bought is finished lol

Anonymous said...

Sensible!

Anonymous said...

You need the west if not you will fail and continue to fail olodo

Anonymous said...

Fist chance olodo like patience.

Anonymous said...

What error? List them? You've done wrong you got to be punished. Did J Rawlings apologize to anyone in Ghana. Foolish thing. You read something online or you watch fake news on our old ass TV u jump to conclusion.

Anonymous said...

You are dead and gone. Nigerian youths dead and gone!

Anonymous said...

You are dead and gone!!! Suffering and smiling they worry u

Unknown said...

Seen, come for debate and tell us what you want to do for Nigerians

Unknown said...

Seen, come for debate and tell us what you want to do for Nigerians

Anonymous said...

Can you speak?

Unknown said...

Democracy cannot change the dictatorship in a military General.

Unknown said...

Sit down look nah dog name!!!

Anonymous said...

SAI BABA SAI BUHARI... CONSIDER IT DONE

Peter Agbo said...

All those screaming high up to the heavens that GMB was a former military 'dictator' should remember that a former President, OBJ was a military ruler. Even the present Senate President was formerly in the military. Did they still display their military traits in a democratic setting? Let's think pragmatically here, no sentiments. Our present president could not address the major problem affecting Nigeria today. In my own opinion, it is CORRUPTION. It is corruption in its many forms (bribery, nepotism, fraud, embezzlement) that has adversely affected the economy of Nigeria. I believe if you can't tackle a problem, leave it to someone who can (that is if you have the interests of the country at heart). The clueless GEJ has failed woefully, let him give someone else the opportunity to tackle the problems facing this country, and if that person can't, with 2019 by the corner we can always elect someone else.

Amaka said...

Thot I was d only one that noticed it.

Amaka said...

I notice it too. All PDP post on LIB are labelled SPONSORED post. Linda check ur sef very well.

derealprincess said...

SAI BABA SAI BUHARI. HATERZ TAKE A SEAT...

Anonymous said...

Follow on Twitter @darlingng and Instagram @darlingnigeria for fashion, lifestyle and beauty tips

bjay said...

stories that touch. converted indeed. ever seen a leopard get rid of its spots? so because he wants power now he has become a democrat. Nigerians say no to dictatorship. we want our freedom not war against indiscipline. once a soldier always a soldier he can never change.

bjay said...

democrat indeed

bjay said...

stories that touch. converted indeed. ever seen a leopard get rid of its spots? so because he wants power now he has become a democrat. Nigerians say no to dictatorship. we want our freedom not war against indiscipline. once a soldier always a soldier he can never change.

Anonymous said...

Go on General.
Pls if you need a Professional Wall Paper Installer contact me @ this number: 08060026305

Anonymous said...

Good one

Godblessnija said...

Former military generals have rescued countries like UK, France, USA etc, when they all have one major challenging problem or the other.
Pls, GMB, in you we trust. We shall surely vote you in to save Nigeria from total collapse due to corruption infected administration led by GEJ.
Long live Nigeria!

Unknown said...

Yes Buhari all tha way... Nigeria best solution the former military head nd a pastor (Buhari & osinbajo).. I TRUST THIS TEAM #APC... oga GEJ u may make a difference if u have a voice.. Go get yo voice heard >> March to APC........CHANGE

Anonymous said...

Because you are an olodo like patience Jonathan.

Anonymous said...

Fool.

Anonymous said...

Because of you I am going to pray everyday against any PDP victory.

Anonymous said...

Brainwashed idiot. Suffering and smiling fool.

Unknown said...

BUHARI THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN NIGERIA, BUT NO BE BY FORCE.......WE DONT NEED YOU......WE DONT NEED AP SHIT......WE DONT NEED TINUBU AND HIS GANG.....


GEJ FOREVER.......

Unknown said...

God bless u super,duper mega@Sammie.March4Change.

Anonymous said...

We Nigerians needs to be purged of our ignorance.

we all put someone in office to take decisions that will shape and better our future but turn out to be a big disappointment.

We all saw Buhari yet we voted GEJ into office including my very goodself.

why i think i would give Buhari a chance to lead me regardless of his age are;

(1) he was head of state for almost 2 years and did not embezzle funds,

(2) he came back after like 10 years to become PTF chairman "office sufficient enough for him to enrich himself and own houses everywhere" he still did not own many houses like others even some state house of assemble members are richer than Buhari

(3) during his military regime i noticed something most Nigerians did not notice "he ordered the military to break shops and sell at regulated price for those who refused to comply with price control. (meaning he wanted people who earn salary to be able to afford to pay their usual bill as against the usual practice then when market people will inflate prices of their products simply because worker has collected salary, thus enslaving salary earners.)

that singular act seems to me that he is someone who puts the interest of common people above the elite.

(4) Do not forget that if GEJ handlers have any clue of misappropriation of funds by Buhari, i swear they would have used it against him, though not comfortable with the fact that he is surrounded by corrupt people like Tinubu & co, but i believe he will at least fix the electricity and protect common peoples interest.

(5) having seen that the Igbos and the Niger Deltans have been marginalies for too long and you got there from a minority tribe, i believe his first priority was to implement true federalism or resource control because you are not sure if or when it will come back to your people again.

You were there for (6) six good years and didnt do it. you are now promising them that you will implement confab report when your job is no longer sure for you.

That alone has shown that he is not a serious person and would have pissed me off. yet they want to give him a chance. well is your right if you wish to forgive him.

Dont have anything personal against GEJ but i'm sorry i cant vote for him as his power of intellect and competency to lead increasingly enlighten Nigerians is in doubt.

We are all free to support and vote any candidate of our choice and if the wish of majority Nigerians is for GEJ to continue then he will continue to be my president but is the wish of us that wanted Buhari are more, then Buhari shall be our president.

We should not hate or kill our selves but we should protect and ensure that our voices count.

A big thank you to everyone, your vote is your conscience. vote whoever will best protect your interest, ignore all those politician whether PDP, APC etc. they are all birds of a feather, just vote a candidate of your choice.

Anonymous said...

Just like your idiotic father

Anonymous said...

Anybody voting for Jonathan is brain dead.

Favoured said...

@ Temilola Ogunleye, I feel only but pity at ur wasted brain. A lady cursing & swearing for what /who can't even justifiably defend. I only feel for the money wasted training you if you were trained actually. I think you should reduce ur mumu and start thinking before u come here to curse anybody against the coupist buhari please.

Anonymous said...

Nigeria economy is number one in Africa even the pop confirmed it fool.

Anonymous said...

La people with low intelligence like yours can not understand so you jump to conclusion. Oba of benin take bribe indeed. If abacha was alive he would have told you what the oba of benin is made of.

Unknown said...

Try to get Ur spellings ryt before u come here to showcase Ur stupidity,ok? I wish the okada riders are still allowed to operate and u get Ur leg or any part of your body crushed then u automatically become a landlord at Igbobi. March4Change.

Anonymous said...

I have been observing a shocking trend among some Nigerians on the forthcoming Presidential election and cannot but ask: Why is it that it is the South South people that are always making hate comments on Buhari no matter what he says. Mind you, i am neither from West nor North
i wonder if we are living in a different country. Perhaps, in their own Nigeria , there is constant Power supply, No unemployment, Serious war against Corruption, No insecurity or Boko Haram, No looted treasury,no vandalised pipelines etc. Guys, pls wake up before it is too late.This is our time for change. If Buhari messes up, we boot him out also.We have the right and power to determine the leader we want.Shekena!!!!

Unknown said...

Sai Buhari, pls don't disappoint us if u finally won.

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