By Dr Goodluck Jonathan
Today marks 53 years of our
Independence as a nation. First and foremost, I would like to say
congratulations to us all. Through thick and thin, we have built this country
together. Through triumphs and trials, we have developed a Nigerian identity in
our own way.
In truth, Nigeria is still a work in
progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the
various obstacles that we face. Our strength has been in our diversity. If we
look back over the years, we can say confidently that there is every reason to
celebrate.
Today’s Independence anniversary is
unique because it is the last before we mark our centenary. On January 1, 2014,
Nigeria will be 100 years old as a country, following the amalgamation of the
Protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria in 1914.
Beloved country men and women,
traditionally, the Presidential address on this symbolic day has served two
purposes. It has, quite rightly, been used to remind all Nigerians about our
heritage. It has also allowed my predecessors and I to comment on our
stewardship to the nation and make political capital out of a state occasion.
But this year, I will not. Because,
today of all days, we should not be scoring political points. On the contrary, in
this last year of the first century of our Union, we should be addressing our
future as a Nation and a people!
6. I admit that these may not be the
best of times for our nation. Our people are divided in many ways – ethnically,
religiously, politically, and materially. I cannot hide from this reality. I
cannot hide from my own responsibilities.
As we prepare to mark the centenary,
therefore, today offers us an opportunity to reflect on our long journey to
nationhood and the progress we have made so far. Whatever the challenges that
we may face, we have every reason to be proud of our national accomplishments;
we have every reason to remain proud and optimistic. Our collective national
journey has witnessed great watersheds, thanks to our spirit of endurance,
perseverance and sacrifice. Getting the rest of the job done with determination
and courage is just a matter of time. We are Nigerians, a nation of talented
people, endowed with resources, potentials, and Divine Grace.
In our journey to greatness as a nation,
we have built an economy that is robust and erected enduring infrastructure and
institutions of democracy. Our social system is now more inclusive, open and
compassionate. We are waging a steady battle against poverty, unemployment, and
corruption. Our sense of community, solidarity and shared expectation is strong
and capable of withstanding the present social, economic and political
challenges that still confront us.
In saying this, I am reminded of the
comments I made a week ago to a cross-section of Nigerians in New York during
the 68th United Nations General Assembly. I declare now as I declared then: we
have a duty as Nigerians, whatever may be our differences or prejudices, to
always put Nigeria first.
Our politics should be an art of
patriotic labour and selfless service to the community, particularly by the
political elite who are placed in positions of great trust and responsibility.
Politics has its own high moral principles which abhor distracting and divisive
rhetoric. As men and women in leadership, we must continually focus on service,
duty, responsibility, and the next generation. Those who are elected to govern
at all levels must focus on improving the lives of our people, not selfish
ambition.
In the words of the American
theologian and author, James Freeman Clarke, ‘a politician thinks of the next
election; a statesman of the next generation’. Whether we are Muslims or
Christians; rich or poor; from the North or the South; East or West; regardless
of our political affiliations, this is the time for every one of us to be a
statesman!
My clarion call therefore, on this
special day, is that we should begin to align our political utterances and
conduct solely to the nobler passions that unite our people. Politicians do not
make a nation; ordinary folks do.
Our nation is made great by the big
and small efforts of regular citizens. These are the teachers and men and women
in academics who inculcate the knowledge and wisdom that transform into
tomorrow’s wealth; the traders and market women who tend to our everyday needs;
the farmers whose labour feeds the nation; the artisans whose work ensures that
our homesteads are well maintained; the doctors, pharmacists, nurses,
accountants, bankers, engineers, and other professionals who add value to our
lives; the sportsmen and women and those in the creative industry who bring
honour and fame to our nation;
And the men and women of our armed
forces and security services who toil day and night so that you and I may live
in a safe and secure nation.
It is the individual and collective
heroism of these regular folks that has placed our nation on the path of
greatness. Politics and politicians sometimes distract the people and create
unnecessary tension.
But our independence celebration is
about the same people, the people of Nigeria: their industry, sense of mission
and purpose, and their patience and perseverance as we navigate historical
turns in our march towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. Today, I salute the
people of Nigeria.
My Compatriots, history has proven
that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it
enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And, there
is no more crucial time for us to be united than now.
The threats we face may be real and
immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season for
much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What matters are
the lessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the victory we snatch from
the jaws of likely defeat.
And I tell you, more than anything
else, there are lessons to learn, and every cause to be thankful. If I must
cite one example, take Syria. As we all pray and work for a return to normalcy
in Syria, it would be helpful for us to reflect on the fact that Syria was once
a peaceful, thriving, multi-cultural nation which played host to a mosaic of
religions and ethnicities.
But that once idyllic nation has
today become a theatre of human misery of unimaginable proportions as a result
of the activities of extremist forces.
Fellow Nigerians, the spectre of
extremism haunts every democracy in every corner of the globe. While we
celebrate our independence and good fortune, our hearts must grieve for those
who have lost loved ones in numerous terrorist activities around the world.
Back home, I admit being overtaken
by deep feelings of grief, whenever news reached me of the appalling atrocities
in some of our States, especially the North Eastern part of our country. Just
two days ago, terrorist elements attacked the College of Agriculture in Gujba,
Yobe State killing a number of innocent students of the institution and other
residents in cold blood, most of them in their sleep. This act of barbarism is
a demonstration of the extent to which evil forces will go to destabilize our
nation. But I assure you, they will not succeed.
My heart goes out to the families of
all those who have fallen victim of these dastardly acts. Our Administration
will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I
reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no
resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without
fear.
On this day, I implore every
Nigerian – wherever you are, whatever language you speak, whatever your
religious persuasion, whichever Political Party you support -: let us join
together to fight this evil of extremism.
On behalf of us all, I commend our
Armed Forces and security agencies for their dedication and bravery in the face
of grave danger, and in the name of our collective liberty.
Fellow Nigerians, this is a time to
pull together behind the national cause: the cause of our freedom, and our
future. We must rekindle the spirit of Nigeria, to ensure that every democrat
and every lover of peace in this great nation continues to live in a free,
peaceful, and secure Nigeria.
On my part, I re-dedicate myself
completely to the service of this great country. I was elected President to
continue the process of building a prosperous nation where hopes, dreams and
aspirations would be fulfilled. Nigerians, home and abroad, want a country they
can be proud to call their own. I am pleased to affirm that, no matter the
challenges we face, we are on the right path to greatness. Our Transformation
Agenda, which is part of the overall vision of making Nigeria a land of
greatness, has been delivering positive and encouraging results.
On May 29th this year, I presented
to the nation a mid-term report of my Administration’s Transformation Agenda.
This was conceived as an integrated policy aimed at reconstructing not only
institutional governance for effective and efficient service delivery, but also
a re-orientation of national norms and values. The document captured the
essence of our agenda in relation to core objectives and achievements.
I have been consistently mindful of
the weight of public expectation to find solutions to the challenges that
confront us because the mandate we have is a free and sacred one. In all that I
have done, I have been guided by this sacred obligation, to work hard for the
good of Nigeria and to make life better for Nigerians. I want to assure
everyone that Nigeria, under my leadership, will not fail.
Exactly 53 years ago today, Prime
Minister Tafawa Balewa urged us to ‘move with quiet dignity to our place on the
world stage’. I am sure that there have been times when every one of us must
have questioned how closely we have followed that injunction.
But again, I can reassure you that
Nigeria’s place on the world stage today is strong and safe, and it is
certainly a place of dignity and respect. We must continue to build on this by
remaining a nation and a people committed to ideals, the noblest humanitarian
values, and the rule of law.
Our Constitution is anchored ultimately
on the idea of freedom and fundamental rights: freedom of expression; freedom
from discrimination; freedom to vote and be voted for, and the right to human
dignity. These are the core values of a true democracy. These are the values of
which we must never lose sight.
In my address to the UN General
Assembly last week, I emphasized the crucial role of democratization in
improving the fortunes not just of this country, but of our entire continent.
Democratic values encourage diversity. They encourage discourse. They encourage
disagreement. This is the joy of democracy.
It enables us to have an opinion.
And ultimately, the ballot box gives us all the opportunity to instigate
change. When democracy works, it does not destroy a nation. It unites and
defines it.
Fellow Nigerians, our Administration
has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on
the need for a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country. I am an
advocate of dialogue. When there are issues that stoke tension and bring about
friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to
discuss.
In demonstration of my avowed belief
in the positive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided
to set up an Advisory Committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities
for a National Dialogue or Conference. The Committee will also design a
framework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structure and
mechanism of the process.
The Committee will be chaired by Dr.
Femi Okurounmu while Dr. Akilu Indabawa will serve as the Secretary. The full
membership of the Committee will be announced shortly.
I expect the Report to be ready in
one month, following which the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature,
structure and modalities of the Dialogue.
Fellow Nigerians, the past 53 years
have seen Nigeria evolve on an epic scale. Our progress since independence has
not always been smooth. This is, after all, our Fourth Republic; but despite
all its flaws, it has lasted longer than all the previous three put together.
That is progress and it proves that, our differences – real and imagined –
notwithstanding, we are, in every sense, a united nation.
This is no time for the harmful
clutches of parochial sentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity,
arrogance and unhelpful indiscipline. We must stand as one, with absolute
commitment and resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity
of our union.
I want to thank all our country men
and women who have stood by this Administration in the midst of mounting
challenges and enormous expectations.
I recognize that it is not easy to
keep believing in the possibilities of our greatness when our faith is
constantly challenged. But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we
shall reap the reward of our labour in due season.
It is my prayer that, another 53
years from now, our children and grand-children will look back on our effort
and be thankful that we kept the faith.
May God continue to bless the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mr. Goodluck Jonathan is President
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This speech is his 53rd Independence
Anniversary Broadcast to the nation.
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