Happy Democracy day fellow Nigerians, well I hope we experience
the true worth of democracy somewhere along the line. That’s from me, read what
the president has to say below:
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.
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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