YOUR N0.1 NAIJA PIDGIN BLOG

Oga Presido,Goodluck Ebele Jonathan give speech today about Naija's
independence, problems wey we dey face and advice to all Nigerians.
Na the speech be this, enjoy am:-
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.