Fellow Nigerians,
1.
I greet and felicitate with you all,
today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our
beloved country.
2.
Our dear nation, Nigeria, has
certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy
Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed
over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a
government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
3.
Although I have ordered a low-key
commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of
the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of
sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as
a people.
4.
As we commemorate 15 years of our
Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay
tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to
the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law
and freedom of expression.
5.
As a result of our collective
efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and
institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it.
The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people overthe
past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.
6.
On my watch, we have witnessed high
national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national
infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail
transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power
supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as
advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing,
water supply and other social services.
7.
In the oil and gas sector, our
promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity
and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and
skilled personnel.
8.
Significant increase in mobile
telephoneand national broadband penetration, making Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the
Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and
regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.
9.
Nigeria has also gained recognition
as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in
the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world.
We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja
early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.
10.
The event not only witnessed a
record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment
into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few
years.
11.
In foreign relations, our country
has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening
strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This
has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions
including the United Nations.
12.
Furthermore, under this
administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of
elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly
representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we
initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving
our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our
expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we
have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even
more firmly on the path to greatness.
Dear Compatriots,
13.
It is a sad fact that as I address
you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our
country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our
shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been
unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our
misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the
democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.
14.
The despicable abduction of school
girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire
world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a
descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.
15.
In recent years, terrorist attacks
have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been
injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and
the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.
16.
There can be no doubt that what we
are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and
ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed
innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the
Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and
pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of
evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack
the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.
17.
I welcome the statements of
solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our
efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a
democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing
worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism.
Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for
present and future generations.
18.
Despite the challenges we face, we
must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and
successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra
Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and
beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several
times.
19.
Today, they face a different
challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are
being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence
in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our
neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free
our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.
20.
It is now 45 days since the horrifying
abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of
their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will
continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.
21.
I am determined to protect our
democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total
war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the
protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security
forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of
terrorists on our soil.
22.
I have also authorized the security
forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I
assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven
away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve
this goal.
23.
For our citizens who have joined
hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that
violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for
dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.
24.
My government, while pursuing
security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept
unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their
de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.
Dear
Compatriots,
25.
We must remain united to win the war
against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers,
lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections
of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces
to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.
26.
The war against terror may be
difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in
history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to
an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith
and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other
evil forces.
27.
We are a strong, resilient and
courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilized world,
to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our
way with patriotic zeal and determination.
Fellow Nigerians,
28.
Yes, we have challenges but we will
surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all
collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our
children.
29.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
30.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
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