{"id":15643,"date":"2017-08-27T19:34:59","date_gmt":"2017-08-27T19:34:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/?p=15643"},"modified":"2017-08-27T19:34:59","modified_gmt":"2017-08-27T19:34:59","slug":"from-the-archives-babangida-on-muhammadu-buhari","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/?p=15643","title":{"rendered":"FROM THE ARCHIVES: BABANGIDA ON  MUHAMMADU BUHARI"},"content":{"rendered":"<div dir=\"auto\">Fellow Nigerians, when in December 1983, the former military leadership, headed by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, assumed the reins of government, its accession was heralded in the history of this country. With the nation at the mercy of political misdirection and on the brink of economic collapse, a new sense of hope was created in the minds of every Nigerian.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Since January 1984, however, we have witnessed a systematic denigration of that hope. It was stated then that mismanagement of political leadership and a general deterioration in the standard of living, which had subjected the common man to intolerable suffering, were the reasons for the intervention. Nigerians have since then been under a regime that continued with those trends. Events today indicate that most of the reasons which justified the military takeover of government from the civilians still persist.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<p><code><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- www.deltanewsroom.com --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-2163942495525027\" data-ad-slot=\"1411897411\" data-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/code><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">The initial objectives were betrayed and fundamental changes do not appear on the horizon. Because the present state of uncertainty, suppression and stagnation resulted from the perpetration of a small group, the Nigerian Armed Forces could not as a part of that government be unfairly committed to take responsibility for failure. Our dedication to the cause of ensuring that our nation remains a united entity worthy of respect and capable of functioning as a viable and credible part of the international community dictated the need to arrest the situation.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Let me at this point attempt to make you understand the premise upon which it became necessary to change the leadership. The principles of discussions, consultation and co-operation which should have guided decision-making process of the Supreme Military Council and the Federal Executive Council were disregarded soon after the government settled down in 1984. Where some of us thought it appropriate to give a little more time, anticipating a conducive atmosphere that would develop, in which affairs of state could be attended to with greater sense of responsibility, it became increasingly clear that such expectations could not be fulfilled.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Regrettably, it turned out that Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was too rigid and uncompromising in his attitudes to issues of national significance. Efforts to make him understand that a diverse polity like Nigeria required recognition and appreciation of differences in both cultural and individual perceptions, only served to aggravate these attitudes.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Major-General Tunde Idiagbon was similarly inclined in that respect. As Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, he failed to exhibit the appropriate disposition demanded by his position. He arrogated to himself absolute knowledge of problems and solutions, and acted in accordance with what was convenient to him, using the machinery of government as his tool.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">A combination of these characteristics in the two most important persons holding the nation\u2019s vital offices became impossible to content with. The situation was made worse by a number of other government functionaries and organisations, chief among which is the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO). In fact, this body will be overhauled and re-organized. And so it came to be that the same government which received the tumultuous welcome now became alienated from the people. To prevent a complete erosion of our given mandate therefore, we had to act so that hope may be rebuilt.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Let me now address your attention to the major issues that confront us, so that we may, as one people, chart a future direction for our dear country. We do not pretend to have all the answers to the questions which our present problems have put before our nation. We have come with the strongest determination to create an atmosphere in which positive efforts shall be given the necessary support for lasting solutions.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<p><code><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeadvert.com\/show.php?z=30&amp;pl=14196&amp;ad_type=59&amp;rl=180\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/code><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">For matters of the moment which require immediate resolutions, we intend to pursue a determined programme of action. Major issues falling into this category have been identified and decisions taken on what should be done.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Firstly, the issue of political detainees or convicts of special military tribunals. The history of our nation had never recorded the degree of indiscipline and corruption as in the period between October 1979 and December 1983.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">While this government recognises the bitterness created by the irresponsible excesses of the politicians, we consider it unfortunate that methods of such nature as to cause more bitterness were applied to deal with past misdeeds. We must never allow ourselves to lose our sense of natural justice. The innocent cannot suffer the crimes of the guilty. The guilty should be punished only as a lesson for the future. In line with this government\u2019s intention to uphold fundamental human rights, the issue of detainees will be looked into with despatch.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">As we do not intend to lead a country where individuals are under the fear of expressing themselves, the Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation Decree 4 of 1984 is hereby repealed. And finally, those who have been in detention under this decree are hereby unconditionally released. The responsibility of the media to disseminate information shall be exercised without undue hindrance. In that process, those responsible are expected to be forthright and to have the nation\u2019s interest as their primary consideration.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- www.deltanewsroom.com --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-2163942495525027\" data-ad-slot=\"1411897411\" data-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">The issue of decrees has generated a lot of controversies. It is the intention of this government to review all other decrees. The last twenty months have not witnessed any significant changes in the national economy. Contrary to expectations, we have so far been subjected to a steady deterioration in the general standard of living; and intolerable suffering by the ordinary Nigerians have risen higher, scarcity of commodities has increased, hospitals still remain mere consulting clinics, while educational institutions are on the brink of decay. Unemployment has stretched to critical dimensions.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Due to the stalemate, which arose in negotiation with the International Monetary Fund, the former government embarked on a series of counter-trade agreements. Under the counter-trade agreements, Nigerians were forced to buy goods and commodities at higher prices than obtained in the international market. The government intends to review the whole issue of counter-trade. A lot has been said and heard about our position with the International Monetary Fund. Although we formally applied to the fund in April 1983, no progress has as yet been made in the negotiation and a stalemate has existed for the last two years.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">We shall break the deadlock that frustrated the negotiations with a view to evaluating more objectively both the negative and positive implications of reaching a mutual agreement with the Fund. At all times in the course of discussions, our representatives will be guided by the feelings and aspirations of the Nigerian people.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">It is the view of this government that austerity without structural adjustment is not the solution to our economic predicament. The present situation whereby 44 per cent of our revenue earning is utilised to service debts is not realistic. To protect the danger this poses to the poor and the needy in our society, steps will be taken to ensure comprehensive strategy of economic reforms.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<p><code><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeadvert.com\/show.php?z=30&amp;pl=14196&amp;ad_type=59&amp;rl=180\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/code><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">The crux of our economic problems has been identified to centre around four fundamental issues:<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">1. A decrease of our domestic production, while<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">our population continues to increase.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">2. Dependence on import for both consumer<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">goods and raw materials for our industries.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">3. A grossly unequal gap between the rich and<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">the poor.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">4. The large role played by the public sector in<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">economic activity with hardly any concrete<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">results to justify such a role.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">These are the problems we must confront.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">ON FOREIGN POLICY:<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Nigeria\u2019s foreign policy in the last 20 months has been characterised by inconsistency and incoherence. It has lacked the clarity to make us know where we stood on matters of international concern to enable other countries relate to us with seriousness. Our role as Africa\u2019s spokesman has diminished because we have been unable to maintain the respect of African countries.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">The ousted military government conducted our external relations by a policy of retaliatory reactions. Nigeria became a country that has reacted to given situations, rather than taking the initiative as it should and always been done. More so, vengeful considerations must not be the basis of our diplomacy. African problems and their solutions should constitute the premise of our foreign policy.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">The realisation of the Organisation of African Unity of the Lagos Plan of Action for self-sufficiency and constructive co-operation in Africa shall be our primary pursuit.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">The Economic Community of West African States must be reborn with the view to achieving the objective of regional integration. The problems of drought-stricken areas of Africa will be given more attention and sympathy, and our best efforts will be made to assist in their rehabilitation within the limits of our resources. Our membership of the United Nations Organisation will be made more practical and meaningful. The call for a new International Economic Order which lost its momentum in the face of the debt crisis will be made once again.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Nigeria hereby makes a renewed request to the Non-Aligned Movement to regroup and reinvigorate its determination to restructure the global economic system, while we appeal to the industrialized nations to positively consider the debt plight of the developing countries and assist in dealing with the dangers that face us. We shall remain members of the various multilateral institutions and inter-governmental organisations which we belong to and do what must be done to enhance the membership and participation within them.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Fellow Nigerians, this country has had since independence a history mixed with turbulence and fortune. We have witnessed our rise to greatness, followed with a decline to the state of a bewildered nation. Our human potentials have been neglected, our natural resources put to waste. A phenomenon of constant insecurity and overbearing uncertainty has become characteristic of our national existence.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">My colleagues and I are determined to change the course of history. This government is determined to unite this country. We shall not allow anything to obstruct us. We recognise<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">that a government, be it civilian or military, needs the consent of the people to govern if it is to reach its objective. We do not intend to rule by force. At the same time, we should not be expected to submit to unreasonable demands. Fundamental rights and civil liberties will be respected, but their exercise must not degenerate into irrational expression nor border on subversion.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><a href=\"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-15644\" src=\"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB-300x300.png 300w, http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB-150x150.png 150w, http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB-768x768.png 768w, http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB-80x80.png 80w, http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB-40x40.png 40w, http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB-64x64.png 64w, http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB-75x75.png 75w, http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB.png 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">The War Against Indiscipline will continue, but this time, in the minds and conduct of Nigerians, and not by way of symbolism or money-spending campaigns.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">This government, on its part, will ensure that the leadership exhibits proper example. Criticisms of actions and decisions taken by us will be given necessary attention and where necessary changes made in accordance with what is expected of us.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Let me reiterate what we said in 1984: This generation of Nigerians and indeed future generations have no other country but Nigeria. We must all stay and salvage it together. This time it shall be pursued with deeper commitment and genuine sincerity.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">There is a lot of work to be done by every single Nigerian. Let us all dedicate ourselves to the cause of building a strong, united and viable nation for the sake of our own lives and the benefits of posterity.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Finally, I wish to commend the members of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police for their mature conduct during the change.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">I thank you all for your co-operation and understanding<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fellow Nigerians, when in December 1983, the former military leadership, headed by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, assumed the reins of government, its accession was heralded in the history of this country. With the nation at the mercy of political misdirection and on the brink of economic collapse, a new sense of hope was created in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":15644,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[154,4065],"class_list":["post-15643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national","tag-muhammadu-buhari","tag-tunde-idiagbon"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IBB.png","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4oswh-44j","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15643","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15643"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15643\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15645,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15643\/revisions\/15645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15643"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}