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 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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