Buhari Speaks in London, Says ''I Cannot Change the Past But I Can Change The Present"

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, General Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday spoke at the Chattam House, London, apparently to boost his campaign towards the general elections slated for March.
The event also ended speculations about the Retired General's health as it had been insinuated that he was in a hospital in London.
While introducing General Buhari, the Chairman of the event and former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Gozney, praised the former Head of State for his modest lifestyle.

In his speech which bordered on "Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Africa: Nigeria's Transition", he opined that the focus of the international community on Nigeria's forthcoming elections is not misplaced. While speaking on democracy as the preferred system of governance all over the world, he pointed out that the transformation of the USSR was for him, a personal turning point and a lesson that change could be effected without firing a single shot.
General Buhari went on to give examples of countries where the ruling parties handed over to opposition parties after having lost at the polls. He also gave examples of countries where Democracy suffered; he particularly mentioned Mali, Guinea Bissau, Togo and the Central African Republic.
Buhari promised that no part of Nigerian territory would be lost to terrorists under his government if elected.
He also described the situation at home, where according to him, not less than 40% of Nigerians live in poverty and how people have had to cope with high rates of unemployment and inequalities.
While promising to tackle corruption, Buhari said anti-corruption agencies would work without the interference of government. He also promised that the NNPC and other revenue-generating agencies of the Federal Government would have a single book
While taking responsibility for the deeds of his government between 1983 and 1985, Buhari said "standing before you is a former military dictator and a democracy convert. I cannot change the past but I can change the present".

Meanwhile, outside the venue, a group of youths carrying different placards with anti-Buhari inscriptions gathered.

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Richard Gozney, the chairman of the event and British High Commissioner to Nigeria (2004-07), intorduces Buhari, praising his modest lifestyle -- an impression he got from his previous visits to Buhari in Nigeria.

Read more at: http://www.thecable.ng/live-buhari-speaks-chatham-house | TheCable

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Buhari Speaks in London, Says ''I Cannot Change the Past But I Can Change The Present"

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