As President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates his 76th birthday, it will be interesting to look back at some of his interesting and memorable quotes.
There are many interesting pictures, and stories about the Nigerian president who was born on December 17. However, here are some of his quotes, Nigerians will always remember:
1. Inauguration speech
Inauguration speech
On May 29, 2015, after a successful campaign and election, President Muhammadu Buhari climbed the podium at the Eagle Square in Abuja and gave his famous speech.
One sentence in that speech became a memorable quote, and it was this: "I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody."
Although he was later accused of plagiarizing the speech, it is one quote that is still repeated by Nigerians and has been turned into numerous memes.
2. Speaking on corruption
Buhari speaking on corruption
It is clear that one of the major aims of the Buhari administration is to fight corruption in every level of the Nigerian government.
Time and time again the president has reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption. His statements are all quite memorable, but this is one of the most powerful statements he has made on corruption:Time and time again the president has reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption. His statements are all quite memorable, but this is one of the most powerful statements he has made on corruption: "I will kill corruption before it kills Nigeria."
3. Reaction to David Cameron
Buhari reacts to David Cameron
When the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron mentioned Nigeria in his speech as a fantastically corrupt country, there was an uproar as expected.
President Buhari was in the UK for a meeting as at the time and many pressured him to demand an apology from David Cameron. However, the president said something many Nigerians, will not forget in a hurry.
He said: "I'm not going to demand an apology from anyone. What i will demand is a return of assets."
READ ALSO: 73 Memorable Quotes By President Buhari
4. Speaking on his military past
Buhari speaks on his past
As a former military head of state, when Buhari was campaigning to rule as a civilian president in a democracy, many raised fears and concerns that he was not fit.
The fear was majorly that he would return to dictatorial ways not befitting a democratic system of government, as he had a reputation for using force to carry out his objectives.
Reacting to the fears, Buhari reassured Nigerians by saying something that will be remembered: Buhari reassured Nigerians by saying something that will be remembered: "I cannot change the past, but i can change the present and the future."
5. Buhari's views on religion
Buhari thoughts on religion
The Boko Haram which has led to the death of thousands of Nigerians and displacement of hundreds of thousands, is one scourge plaguing the Buhari administration.
The insurgency is linked to religious fanaticism and extremism and this is one reason, President Buhari once said in an interview, before he became president: President Buhari once said in an interview, before he became president: "Religion is a personal affair. Religion must never be used as an excuse to divide us, oppress others or gain unfair advantage."
6. Buhari's advice for youths
Buhari threatens Boko Haram
While advising youths not to join the Boko Haram fanatics, Buhari said: While advising youths not to join the Boko Haram fanatics, Buhari said: "If you are starving and young and in search of answers as to why your life is so difficult, fundamentalism can be alluring. We know this for a fact because former members of Boko Haram have admitted it."
He then went on to conclude with one of his most memorable quotes: "Boko Haram will soon know the strength of the collective will of Nigerians."
READ ALSO: Ten Memorable Quotes From Buhari’s Speech
7. Speaking on corruption and the economy
President Buhari on corruption and development
Still emphasizing his willingness to fight corruption to a standstill in all strata of the Nigerian government, President Buhari has taken many drastic steps.
Some of them have been criticized, but this quote will be remembered: "We cannot build an economy where corruption is the working capital."
8. Speaking on vengeance and forgiveness
The past is prologue - Buhari
During his regime as military head of state, from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985, after taking power in a military coup d'état, Buhari made a lot of enemies.
Therefore when he was returning in 2015, there were fears, that he would be settling old scores if he became president.
However, these were his words of reassurance: "A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue."
9. Let us think out of the box
Think out of the box, Buhari urged Nigerians
While speaking at a one-day Ministerial Retreat on the Economy and the Budget with the theme “Building Inter-ministerial Synergy for Effective Planning and Budgeting in Nigeria” in Abuja.
President Buhari urged Nigerians to think out of the box, saying: President Buhari urged Nigerians to think out of the box, saying: "Indeed, the challenges we face in the current recession require ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, to deploy strategies that involve engaging meaningfully with the private sector."
10. On the rule of law
Buhari speaking in Dasuki
In his bid to fight corruption, the president has sometimes ignored the rule of law. In the case of former NSA, Sambo Dasuki, there was an uproar when he was not released on bail following a court order.
Presidnt Buhari however said: “If you see the kind of atrocities people like Dasuki committed you won't give them bail.”
11. Speaking on democracy
Buhari speaking on democracy
In an interview with foreign media house, France 24, President Buhari was asked what he thought of democracy.
This was his succinct reply: “Multiparty democracy system is the best form of government with a big caveat that elections must be free, fair and credible otherwise it will be the same old problem."
In the spirit of the birthday celebration, President Buhari's aide on new media shared on Twitter an infograph compiling President Buhari's entire life; from education, military career, appointments in and outside military, awards and medals honorary doctorate degrees to family life.
We at Legit.ng wish the president a wonderful birthday celebration!
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Source: Legit.ng
