Fellow Nigerians: I
greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted
democratic governance in our beloved country. 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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, 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.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
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