FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S
INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH 20131001-100259.jpg Address by His Excellency,
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR On the Occasion of Nigeria’s 53rd
Independence AnniversaryTuesday 1st October, 2013 FELLOW NIGERIANS,
1. 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.
2. 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.
3.
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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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. 10. 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.
11. 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!
12. 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.
13. 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;
14. 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.
15.
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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23.
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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. 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.
36.
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.
37. 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.
38.
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.
39.
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.
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. 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.
44. May God
continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
45. I wish you all a very
happy 53rd Independence Celebration.
46. I thank you.
source: naijalog.com
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