Chatam House: Buhari will speak on Thursday
The Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA), better known as Chatham House, has confirmed that Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will be speaking at its event billed for Thursday.
According to information posted on the Chatham House website, Buhari will speak on ‘Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Africa: Nigeria’s Transition’, on Thursday February 26 between 10:00 am and 11:00 am
The event will be chaired by Sir Richard Gozney, British high commissioner to Nigeria between 2004 and 2007.
“The postponement of Nigeria’s fifth election since its return to civilian rule in 1999, together with fierce political competition, a security crisis and severe economic challenges linked to the drop in oil price, have thrown into sharp relief the challenges of conducting this essential process in such a complex environment,” the independent policy institute said.
“While there is widespread speculation as to the reasons for the delay, there is also widespread acknowledgment of the necessity that national elections do now take place as scheduled on 28 March.
“General Muhammadu Buhari, former military ruler (1983-85) and now opposition presidential candidate, will discuss the importance of democracy for Africa’s future, and in particular why delivering dividends of elected government matter both to Nigeria and internationally.”
The event will be live-streamed, while questions for the speaker can be sent by using #CHAfrica on Twitter.
Chatham confirmed that aselection will be put to Buhari during the event and urged those interested in attending to apply by midnight on Tuesday February 24, as applications received after this time will not be considered.
“Entry to this meeting is restricted to e-ticket holders only,” it added.
APC announced last Thursday that Buhari had travelled to the United Kingdom on a working visit and would, as part of his visit, give a talk at Chathan House.
But on three different occasions, Ayodele Fayose, governor of Ekiti, claimed that the septuagenarian was on no working visit, but was only out of the country to seek medical attention.
Earlier on Saturday, Buhari held a private meeting with Tony Blair, the former British prime minister.
Who shame dey catch now. Was it not better for FFK and Gov. Fayose to keep mute than embarrassing themselves in the public, telling us that the general will not speak at the Chatham House. Well, I don’t blame them, if they no shout, how Uncle Jonah go take know say boys dey work for their money.