We
at HottestGist wish all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day. Read the
Democracy Day national broadcast by President Goodluck Jonathan on 29th
May, 2014. Read below....
1. 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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