President Goodluck Jonathan's Speech At The Celebration of Nigeria's 15 Years Uninterrupted Democratic Rule
Excerpts:
Fellow
Nigerians: 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.
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