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.
6 Comments
Long live GEJ
ReplyDeleteAgreed
ReplyDeleteEvil ant endure forever. True talk
ReplyDeleteWe kow
ReplyDeleteI don't agree wit waging total war, he needs to do more to fight terror
ReplyDeleteNice speech thou..abati did gr8 job here
ReplyDelete