Move on Nigeria (MoN) – a civic action and pressure group promoting democracy, good governance, and transformation agenda – has described the speech delivered at Chatham House in London by All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, as windy and full of lies.
Buhari on Thursday, February 26 addressed the British think tank on why he wants to be president, explaining the priority areas he would address if elected.
But MoN dismissed his claims, insisting that as an unrepentant dictator, he lacks the democratic credentials to implement his ideas.
MoN said he bungled the opportunity as a former head of state and did nothing remarkable that improved the fortunes of the nation.
According to the group, Buhari’s speech lacked substance as it began with lies and ended with a string of many other lies.
A statement issued by MoN National Coordinator, Clem Aguiyi, said Buhari has not shown through his past record that he has the genuine recipe to turn the country around.
“It would have passed for a well-crafted speech if he was a first timer and if we are ignorant of his antecedent and reputation.
“But because this will be his second tenure as president, assuming he succeeds, having served first as a military dictator, we are fully aware of his reputation, no matter how he tries to run away from the past. His past will continue to haunt him,” Aguiyi warned.
“No civilised world will tolerate Buhari, who is not just a divisive character but part and parcel of Nigeria’s old order and problem. Democracy is slow process that requires patience anywhere in the world.”
Aguiyi said it is regrettable that Buhari chose the 90th birthday anniversary of Shehu Shagari, the democratic President he “unjustly toppled” to justify his “treasonable misadventure” simply because he found it fashionable.
“First, Buhari claimed that when outside the country he normally wants to be the country’s public relations and marketing officer, extolling her values. But the Buhari we know had never spoken well of Nigeria anywhere in the world.
“He is not known to have made any meaningful contribution to the success of any administration, including the current government. We challenge that he makes public any evident to the contrary.”
MoN reiterated that democracy is a journey “and when you obstruct a journey, it is a question of common sense to start afresh in order to consolidate.
“Nigeria’s past military leaders which include Buhari must as a duty allow Nigeria to make progress in her democratic journey without further interference.”
