(Being Nationwide Address By President
Goodluck Jonathan On The Occasion Of Nigeria’s 53rd Independent
Anniversary On October 1st, 2013)
Fellow Nigerians,
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I wish you all a very
happy 53rd Independence Celebration.
I thank you.
