Essential Ndubuisi
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has expressed disappointment and dismay over the growing practice of “tinkering with constitutions” by some African leaders to stretch their term in office.
This is as he said that elections should be safe and secure, without coercion of any form.
Buhari said this on Friday during a bilateral meeting with the Permanent Representative of the US to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘President Buhari lauds America’s support on fight against terrorism.’
Earlier, the Ambassador noted that about 70% of her work at the UN centers on Africa, and expressed worry about the recent military takeover in Mali and Guinea.
In his response, Buhari said leaders have to respect their people, part of which is to obey the term-limit clauses in their Constitution.
“I am surprised when people spend the maximum term possible, and then tinker with the Constitution, to stay longer.
“In Nigeria, we try to educate our people to appreciate the democratic system. Elections should be safe and secure, with no coercion of any form. People should elect the people they want. That would grow democracy,” he said.
