Buhari wept!
Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari today said that the time has come for Nigerians to stand up and support his bid to uproot the ruling Peoples Democratic Party which he described as a ‘republic of thieves’ from power.
Buhari who was addressing a world press conference to mark the grand finale of his Presidential campaign broke into tears as he lamented the ‘havoc which the government had done to Nigerians and their reputation’.
He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, in the life of any nation there comes a time when some people have to stand up and point out when things are moving off track, explain why they are going wrongly, demonstrate how they can be set aright, and work towards making a difference.
“For Nigeria, that time has come and it is now; and the people to stand up are you and me! Second, let me state categorically that I am not in this race to advance or protect any vested interest or group.
“We are seeking to replace a government that has done so much havoc to its people and their reputation; and we are determined, with your help, to uproot them completely. By the grace of God, Nigeria is going through its last few weeks of arbitrary non-accountable, corrupt governance—the type that has turned it into a republic of thieves.”
Buhari said that in all the time he had the privilege of managing national resources in various capacities in the country, he ‘never touched a kobo of public funds’.
“I have fought drift and purposelessness in this nation. I have fought corruption and indiscipline. I have fought indolence and the betrayal of trusts. I have fought the Nigerian civil war and struggled for the unity of this country in many other ways.
“I have had the fortune and privilege of managing national resources in various capacities—as a military commander, as a state governor, as a minister, as head of the Petroleum Trust Fund, and as the head of state of this great country. And in all that I have been and done, I have never touched a kobo of public funds.
“I say this without pride and with all sense of responsibility and humility; but I challenge anyone in the race for the leadership of this country then or now to dare make the same claim.
“As I said, I joined the race out of personal conviction and love for my country and concern for the welfare of its people. I therefore ask for the support of everybody and every interest group interested in advancing the cause of the nation.” He said.
However , he called on the Government, INEC and security agencies to remain fair to all Parties to ensure the survival of the country’s democracy.
“I call upon the governments in power at all levels, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the security agencies at all levels to be fair and just to all parties and candidates in all elections for all offices.
“This is the only way to ensure that our democracy survives and partisan politics retains the confidence and support of our people into the future.” Buhari said.
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