The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians that he would oust their fundamental rights were he to emerge as president in the coming election.
Buhari said that people should not perceive him through the prism of his actions as military head of state for they belong to the past.
The lanky General-turned politician, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring respect of media freedom and rule of law if elected president.
Buhari who spoke during an interactive meeting with media proprietors under the umbrella of Nigeria Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, and representatives of private and public broadcast media in Nigeria in Abuja, also promised to do his on part to ensure there would be no bloodshed during and after the elections.
He said, “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. You are aware of Decree 4 of 1984, which was heavily criticised. I have said elsewhere that I cannot change the past.
Gen. Muhammadu Buhar
Gen. Muhammadu Buhar
“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.”
