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 over the 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 telephone and 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 on-going. 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 freedom we 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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