Buhari: Democracy Should be lifestyle, not Government System

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday charged Nigerians to accept democracy as a lifestyle as against a system of government.

He said in doing so, it would acts as catalyst to the nation's growth and development.

Buhari spoke when he paid homage to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar.

The president had earlier attended the Juma’at prayer at the Low Cost Mosque in Daura, Katsina State.

Buhari said: "If Nigerians continuously follow the tenets of democracy, the country will always be at peace since democracy on its own with its institutions has the mechanism for resolving conflicts peacefully."

Speaking in Hausa language, the president urged those who were aggrieved after the 2015 elections to seek redress through democratic means and institutions.

He added that Nigeria adopted democracy from the Western nations, and as such learning fast by avoiding mistakes made when studying the weaknesses and strengths of those nations.

He cautioned Nigerians not to be hasty, with a view avoiding unnecessary mistakes.

He posited that that elections at all levels must be conducted based on democratic principles.

He urged those interested in elective positions to look for a political platform of their choice, declare their interests and the party would support them.

The President said he was not given any chance in 2002 when he delved into politics because of his military background.

Buhari stressed that the 2015 polls was an indication that it was only God that decided who leads or not.

"It is not by power, it is not by wealth but by the Grace of God that I won the election" he said.

He said his decision to contest elections, was borne out of his commitment to serve the people and not to be served or to amass wealth.

He added that he had served the nation in different capacities in the past and had not had so much money in the banks either locally or abroad or anywhere in the world.

He added that all he had over times was " integrity and commitment to serve the people."

He vowed to fulfill his promises to Nigerians. Earlier, the Emir praised Buhari for his consistency which had become the hallmark of his integrity.