Below is the full text of the nationwide broadcast by President Goodluck Jonathan to mark Democracy Day 2012 .
NATIONAL ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, ON DEMOCRACY DAY, MAY 29, 2012
Fellow Nigerians,
1. One year ago, I was privileged to stand before you, to take the
oath of office as President of our dear country, the third to serve you
as President since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Today, I remember that day and the processes leading to it with
profound gratitude to God Almighty and to all Nigerians who have worked
very hard to enrich our journey from military dictatorship to inclusive
democratic governance.
2. For the past 13 years, we have remained a stable democracy. We
have together demonstrated that the government of the people is an
ideal that the people of Nigeria cherish. We have our differences as
individuals and as politicians, bu twe have shown great faith in
democracy and its institutions. We have refused to be limited by our
differences. Despite reservations about some of our institutions, we
have refused to submit to despair. This achievement is a testament to
the courage and optimism of the Nigerian people.
3. As we celebrate this year’s Democracy Day, I pay tribute to all
the men and women who have made our democratic experience meaningful:
the ordinary people who resisted militar yrule, and have remained
resolute in their embrace of democracy; the army of Nigerian voters
who, at every election season, troop out in large numbers to exercise
their right of franchise; the change agents in civil society who have
remained ever watchful and vigilant.
4. I pay special tribute also to all patriots who are the pillars
of our collective journey,most especially, our armed forces who have
steadfastly subordinated themselvesto civil authority in the past 13
years. They have continued to demonstrate a great sense of
professionalism. They have discharged their duties to the nation with
honour and valour. In a sub-region that has witnessed instances of
political instability, authored by restless soldiers, the Nigerian
Armed Forces have remained professional in their support of democracy.
5. When General Abdusalami Abubakar handed over the baton of
authority to PresidentOlusegun Obasanjo, in 1999, it was a turning
point for Nigeria. We did not arrive at that turning point by accident.
Many Nigerians laid down their lives for the transition to democracy to
occur. Some were jailed. Media houses were attacked and shut down. But
the people’s resolve was firm and unshakeable. This is what we
remember. This is what we celebrate. On this day, I recall especially
the martyrdom of Chief M. K. O. Abiola, whose presumed victory in the
1993 Presidential election, and death, while in custody, proved to be
the catalyst for the people’s pro-democracy uprising. The greatest
tribute that we can pa yto him, and other departed heroes of Nigeria’s
democracy, is to ensure that we continue to sustain and consolidate our
democratic institutions and processes, and keep Hope alive.
6. Let us individually and collectively, continue to keep the
spirit of this day alive. No task is more important. We must continue
to do well as a people and as ademocracy. We must remember where we are
coming from, so we can appreciate how far we have travelled.
7. When I assumed office as Acting President, in 2010, on account
of the health challenges suffered by late President Umaru Musa
Yar’Adua, there was so much anxiety in the land. The tone of public
debate was febrile. Some persons sought to use the situation in the
country to sow the seeds of discord. My primary task at that time was
to do all that was humanly possible to ensure stability within the
polity. With the support and commitment of patriotic Nigerians from all
walks of life, and the grace of the Almighty God, we were able to do so.
8. On May 6,2010, following President Yar’Adua’s death, I assumed
office as substantive President. I subsequently presented myself as a
candidate for the 2011 Presidential elections, with a promise that
under my watch, the elections would be free, fair and credible. We kept
faith with that promise. On May 29, 2011, I was sworn in as President,
the fifth elected leader of Nigeria since independence. The success of
the 2011 elections and the international acclaim that it generated was
due to your patriotic zeal and commitment. I will like to seize this
opportunity to thank all patriotic Nigerians who stood by us, and have
remained unwavering in their support.
These Nigerians understand one thing: that we all have a duty to
protect and promote our country, and that this country belongs to all
of us. Electoral contest is about values. We must not lose sight of
those values that strengthen us as a people. As long as I am President,
I will do my utmost to continue to work hard in pursuit of the common
good.
9. There are challenges, yes, but we are working hard to address
those challenges. And, by God’s grace, we will succeed. My confidence
is bolstered by the results which we have achieved in different sectors
within the last twelve months.
10. Our democracy is stable. Its foundation is strong and firm.
Its future is bright. Last year, I had spoken about the policy of “one
man one vote, one woman, one vote,one youth, one vote”. I am glad to
see that the Nigerian people in all elections have continued to respect
the principle of fair play. Since this administration came into
office, we have gone to great lengths to strengthen our democratic
institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral
Commission. There are still persons who believe that elections should
be violent and unhealthy, but they are in the minority. They will not
derail our democracy because the majority of Nigerians will not allow
them to do so.
President Jonathan.
11. Following the spate of violence, in some parts of the country,
after the 2011 elections,our administration set up a committee on
post-election violence to among other things, investigate the causes
and nature of electoral violence and make appropriate recommendations.
We will be guided by the White Paper, on that committee’s report, in
dealing more firmly with electoral violence and fraud. This will
include the establishment of Electoral Offences Tribunals to deal
speedily with established cases of electoral violence. We cannot afford
to treat the success we have recorded withour democratic experience
with levity. Electoral reform is central to our administration’s
transformation agenda. I urge all political parties to embrace this
reform.
12. Our successfulelections, last year, opened new
vistas for Nigeria’s foreign policy. More thanever before, Nigeria’s
achievements have generated a lot of internationalgoodwill and
recognition. We have continued to build on this by further
showingleadership in the sub-region and the African continent. Under my
watch asChairman of the sub-regional body, ECOWAS, and subsequently,
Nigeria was in theforefront of the efforts to ensure democratic
stability in Niger, Mali, GuineaBissau, and particularly at a critical
moment in Cote d’Ivoire. Our foreignpolicy process has proven to be
dynamic and pro-active. Nigeria’s place issecure among many friends in
the comity of nations. We are building on thatfriendship to open up
opportunities for foreign investments in the Nigerianeconomy and to
provide necessary support for the vibrant community of Nigeriansin the
Diaspora.
13. We willcontinue to work hard, to turn domestic
successes into a source of motivationfor greater achievements in the
international arena. We are fully aware that itis only when our people
are happy and confident that they would be in a goodposition to walk
tall in relating with others.
14. Today, Iwant to talk about what we are doing and
what we have done. I want to reassureyou that we are making progress.
But we can also do a lot more. We must. And wewill.
15. Oureconomic outlook is positive. When I assumed
office last year, there were stillfears about the impact of the global
economic recession, and implications forinvestments. Many Nigerians
were worried about the growing rate ofunemployment. In order to set
Nigeria ona sound and sustainable path toward economic growth, this
administrationunveiled a set of priority policies, programmes, and
projects encapsulated inthe Transformation Agenda. Theseprogrammes and
policies are aimed at consolidating our budget, fostering jobcreation,
engendering private sector-led inclusive growth, and creating
anenabling environment for businesses to thrive for the ultimate
betterment ofthe lives of Nigerians.
16. Today,progress has been made. The country’s credit
rating is positive, in contrastwith many nations being downgraded.
In2011, our economy grew by 7.45%. As at mid-May 2012, our foreign
exchangereserves had risen to $37.02 billion, the highest level in 21
months. We havestabilized and improved our fiscal regime. We brought
the fiscal deficit downto 2. 85% of GDP from 2.9% in 2011. We reduced
recurrent expenditures from 74%to 71% and reduced domestic borrowing
from N852 billion in 2011 to N744 billionin 2012. We cut out over N100
billion of non-essential expenditure andincreased our internally
generated revenue from N200 billion to N467 billion.
17. For thefirst time in over a decade, we now have a
draft Trade Policy which provides amulti-dimensional framework to boost
our trade regime and facilitate the inflowof investments. We have
generated over N6. 6 trillion worth of investment commitments.The total
value of our trade is also much higher than the value estimated
theprevious year due to deliberate government policies. To facilitate
the ease ofdoing business in Nigeria, we have a policy in place to make
visa procurement easierfor foreign investors, with safeguards to
prevent abuse.
18. The goal of our administration is to ensurethat
every Nigerian can find gainful employment. Given my dissatisfaction
withthe prevailing unemployment situation in the country, our
administration hasembarked on an ambitious strategy of creating jobs
and job-creators through thelaunch of several initiatives mainly
targeted at the youths and women.
19. In October 2011, we launched the Youth
Enterprisewith Innovation in Nigeria Programme, designed to encourage
entrepreneurshipand provide grants for small and medium scale
enterprises. Over 1, 200 Nigerianyouths have benefitted from this
initiative. We have also launched the PublicWorks Women and Youth
Empowerment Programme, which is designed to employ 370,000 youths per
annum, with 30% of the jobs specially reserved for women. Let memake it
clear here that our YouWIN programme is designed to nurture and
mentoryoung entrepreneurs to become major players, employers and wealth
creators inbusiness.
20. We aregradually reducing the footprints of
government in business activities throughprivatization, liberalization
and deregulation based on our recognition thatthe private sector should
be the engine of growth in our economy. To ensure thatthe private
sector is well positioned for this task, our administration hasembarked
on key structural reforms in the Power Sector and at the Ports.
21. To improvereliable power supply, our
administration is judiciously implementing the PowerSector Roadmap,
which is at an advanced stage, to fully privatize powergeneration and
distribution while reducing the cost of electricity to ruralhouseholds
and the urban poor.
22. The commitment of this Administration to the
provision of regular anduninterrupted power supply remains strong and
unwavering. We all agreethat adequate and regular power supply will be
the significant trigger toenhance this nation’s productive capacity and
accelerate growth. It isfor this reason that I remain optimistic that
the reforms we have initiated,the decisions we have taken so far and
the plans we intend to faithfullyprosecute will yield the desired
results.
23. To underline this commitment, three weeks ago, I
convened a specialsession on Power and gave specific instructions on
the fast tracking of gas productionand delivery to ensure improved
availability of power. I alsodirected that the power sector reforms
must continue on schedule and thatprivatization of the sector must be
completed according to plan.
24. Our approach is two-pronged: First, is the
immediate repair ofpower plants, as well as transmission and
distribution infrastructure in theshort term. The second is the
building of institutions and the provisionof enablers to attract
investors. We have revived and are accelerating the completionof the
National Integrated Power Projects. We are also building about 4000km
oftransmission lines and hundreds of substations. We have completed the
designfor the construction of both Mambilla and Zungeru Hydro power
plants which willadd about 3, 000 MW to the national grid.
25. By mid 2010, the national power output was about
2, 800 MW. By the endof 2011, we reached a peak of more than 4, 000 MW.
A National Gas EmergencyPlan has also been launched to redress the
problem of gas supply which aroseessentially due to poor planning.
26. For long-term power availability, we have
strengthened a numberof key institutions such as the Nigerian
Electricity Regulatory Commission, theBulk Trader, the National Power
Training Institute of Nigeria, andothers. We are also working with the
World Bank to provide guarantees forgas and power providers. The
signing of MOUs with World Leaders in powerequipment – General Electric
of USA and Siemens of Germany as well as US and China Exim Banks for
financial investment,is a clear indication of the level of confidence
which the world investmentcommunity has in our power sector road map.
27. In addition, the privatisation programme has
attracted expression ofinterest from 131 companies across the globe.
Our decision to bring inthe private sector is clearly intended to
achieve our target of generating anddistributing sufficient and
reliable power within the shortest timepossible. With the measures we
have put in place, we will surely achievesuccess in transforming the
power sector.
28. We have alsofocused our efforts on Ports and
Customs reforms to ensure efficiency in thehandling of ports and
port-related businesses. Our administration has streamlinedbureaucratic
activities at the Ports by reducing the number of agencies from 14to 7.
We have also reduced the time for the clearance of goods from about
amonth, to seven days, with the long-term objective of ensuring that
cargoes arecleared within 48 hours in line with international best
practice. In themeantime, our ports, for the first time, now open for
business for 24 hours.
29. In the Oil and GasSector, our Administration has
charted a new course that will ensure enduringtransparency and
accountability. We are re-drafting the Petroleum Industry Bill(PIB) to
ensure it meets the aspirations of all Stakeholders given the
currentrealities and future expectations in the global energy
landscape. Work on thePIB will be concluded in June 2012 and formally
submitted to the NationalAssembly. Additionally, Special Task Forces
dealing with Governance and Control,Petroleum Revenue and National
refineries are finalizing their work to ensureprobity across the oil
and gas sector, and self-sufficiency in refinedpetroleum products.
30. In the DownstreamSector, the Nigerian Content
Development Act, since inception in 2010, hasboosted the local
production of line pipes, in-country fabrication tonnage andengineering
support services. As a result, retained in-country spend has grownfrom
approximately US $1bn to a current estimate of US$4bn, and over US$3
billionForeign Direct Investment has been brought in for upgrading and
building newyards, altogether generating over 120,000 direct and
indirect jobs.
31. Capacityutilization of existing domestic
refineries has greatly improved from 30 to 60percent. We have commenced
the phased plan to return the refineries to 90percent capacity
utilization with the expected completion of the rehabilitationof Port
Harcourt refinery by the end of 2012, to be followed by Warri andKaduna
refineries in 2013.
32. In the UpstreamSector, the April 2012
commissioning of the Usan Deep Offshore Field hasincreased crude oil
production capacity by 180 thousand barrels per day. Also,Government
continues to support the National Oil Company, NPDC, by assigning55%
equity in 8 divested blocks which has resulted in increase in reserves
from350 million barrels to 2.1 billion barrels and 160, 000 barrels of
production. Wehave also made significant progress in gas infrastructure
development, investing close toUS$1bn for the construction of some 1000
km of pipelines, gas supply growth and stimulation of
gasindustrialization. Between nowand the third quarter of 2013, Final
Investment Decisions (FIDs) will be made on gas-based industries, such
as thepetrochemicals and fertilizer plants at Koko, the Central
Processing Units(CPF) in Obiafu/Obrikom, and the gas growth projects.
Also,the sum of N11 billion is provided in the 2012 Budget for
Hydro-Carbonexploration in the Lake Chad Basin.
33. The Gas Revolutioninitiative will fully support
and sustain domestic power, whilst creatingAfrica’s largest gas based
industrial park, which on completion will underpinthe creation of over
a million jobs and attract over US$16 billion in ForeignDirect
Investment. To protect the gainsof these initiatives for all
Nigerians, we are aggressively addressing theincreasing incidents of
crude oil theft and other criminal activities in thesector.
34. As a deliberate move, our goal is to transform
Nigeria froma mono-modal economy, to a diversified one. The sector that
we are focusing onto diversify our economy – and one in which Nigeria
has huge comparativeadvantage – is the agriculture sector. Agriculture
accounts for about 40% ofour GDP and over 70% of all employment.
Increases in agricultural productivitywill drive down rural poverty and
revive our rural economy.
35. In this regard, we are aggressively pursuing an
agriculturaltransformation agenda. Agriculture is no longer a
development programme. We arenow treating agriculture as a business,
one that can generate wealth and createjobs for millions of our youths.
36. We have implemented major reforms in the sector,
notably inthe fertilizer sub-sector. We have ended the practice of
Federal Governmentprocurement and distribution of fertilizers. This we
did because only 11% offarmers get the fertilizers that are bought and
distributed by government. Theold system encouraged rent seekers to
collude and deprive farmers of access tofertilizers, while some of the
fertilizers ended up with political farmers andin neighbouring
countries.
37. Now, the procurement and commercialization of
fertilizersand seeds have been fully deregulated to the private
sector. We have ended the culture of corruption infertilizer
procurement. We must also endthe era of food imports. Nigeria spends
over 10 billion dollars every yearimporting wheat, rice, sugar and fish
alone. This is unacceptable.
38. Our agricultural transformation agenda is directed
atpromoting local production, substituting for imported foods, and
adding valueto our locally produced crops. We are recording successes
already. Government’spolicy to ensure rice self-sufficiency by 2015 is
already paying off. New ricemills are being established by the private
sector to mill locally producedrice. Ebony Agro Industries located in
Ikwo Local Government Area of EbonyiState has rolled out its high
quality parboiled rice. In Kano, Umza rice millhas taken off and can
hardly meet demand, while in Benue State Ashi rice hashit the market.
Consumers are buying more of Abakaliki and Ofada rice too.
39. To further accelerate the local production and
milling ofhigh quality rice, government is facilitating the import and
installation of100 new large scale integrated rice mills across the
country. This will allowNigeria, for the first time in its history, to
have the capacity to mill all ofthe rice that we consume.
40. Our cassava policy is working, as we accelerate
the pace ofutilization of cassava to create markets for millions of our
farmers. Our goalis a bold one: we will make Nigeria, which is the
largest producer of cassavain the world, to also become the largest
processor of high value cassavaproducts in the world.
41. To further encourage cassava utilization and
value-addedproducts, government will support corporate bakers and
master bakers across thecountry to use high quality cassava flour for
baking. Last year I announced anincrease in tariff and levy on wheat.
To encourage the cassava flour inclusionpolicy, I now direct that part
of the levy and tariff on wheat be set aside tosupport the promotion of
high quality cassava flour and composite cassavabread. This will
include support for needed enzymes, technical training andequipment for
corporate bakers and master bakers, as well as acceleratedcassava
production.
42. We have also secured markets for cassava outside
Nigeria,and for the first time ever, Nigeria will export this year 1
million metrictons of dried cassava chips to China. This will earn
Nigeria 136 million USdollars in foreign exchange. Last week we also
successfully started thecommercial use of feed grade cassava grits,
produced locally, for use in ourpoultry industry.
43. We are reviving our lost glory in cocoa, with
massivedistribution of 3.6 million pods of high-yielding cocoa
varieties for farmersall across the cocoa growing states of the
country. The pods will be providedfree of charge. We are reviving
cotton production in the North, as well. I havedirected that all seeds
for cotton should be provided, free of charge, to allcotton farmers.
44. Let me reiterate my personal passion and
commitment todriving the agricultural transformation for Nigeria. The
prosperity of Nigeriamust start with improving the living standards of
our farmers, and revitalizingrural economies across the nation. The
newly inaugurated AgriculturalTransformation Implementation Council,
which I personally Chair, will furtherdrive our continued revolution of
the sector. Our goal is to add 20 millionmetric tons of food to our
domestic food supply by 2015 and create 3.5 millionjobs. To achieve
this, the appropriate infrastructure to support all-year roundfarming
through irrigation is being rehabilitated and developed across
thecountry.
45. We must use our population to create markets for
what weproduce. We must grow local, buy local and eat local. To promote
this, I have directedthat all official functions of government serve
local foods, especially ourlocal rice and cassava bread and other
foods. In the State House, I amfaithfully keeping to my promise of
eating cassava bread and local rice.
46. Our administration is committed to the rapid and
beneficialdevelopment of our country’s Minerals and metals potential.
In the last year, we recorded remarkableachievements in Mines and Steel
Development. We increased the number ofinvestors in the mining sector
due to the transparent manner in which titlesare now issued on a “first
come-first served and use it or lose it basis.” Atotal of 2,476 active
mineral titles were issued compared to 666 titles issuedout in the
previous year, thereby reducing, significantly, illegal
miningactivities. About 350, 000 additional jobs were created, arising
from theactivities of newly registered operators. We have initiated a
programme tosupport private steel production outfits. This has resulted
in an increase inproduction figures for steel and other metals to over
1 million tonnes.
47. It is ourcollective desire as Nigerians to improve
the standard of education. We are particularlyaggressive in addressing
this challenge. As a former school teacher, I knowthat it is not enough
to create jobs; we must develop human capacity, and traina generation
of Nigerian children with better competencies and skills. Thiswill
grant them the edge that they require to compete in a skills-driven
globaleconomy, and by extension, strengthen our national
competitiveness index.
48. I wantevery Nigerian child to have an opportunity
to receive quality education andacquire useful skills. We are reforming
the education sector from basic totertiary level. The Federal
Government recently launched the Almajiri EducationProgramme to reduce
the number of out-of-school children which currently standsat about 9
million. Similar programmes will soon be introduced in various partsof
the country. At the tertiary level, it is the policy of this
administrationthat every State will have a Federal University.
49. To thisend, we have established within the last
year, nine (9) new FederalUniversities and licensed nine (9) new
private universities, bringing the totalnumber of universities in the
country to 124. Even with this, there is stillthe challenge of getting
adequate admission space for prospectiveundergraduates. While we are
addressing this, the Federal Government is alsoconscious of the fact
that our universities need to be better equipped,particularly with well
trained teachers. Government is, therefore, working on aprogramme to
provide scholarships for Nigerians who are interested in academics,to
enable them obtain their Doctorate degrees within and outside the
country.
50. In addition, the Federal Government haslaunched a
Special Presidential Scholarship Scheme for our best and
brightestbrains. We are selecting the best out of our First Class
graduates in variousdisciplines, especially engineering and science.
They will be sent forpost-graduate studies in the best universities in
the world, with theexpectation that this will lay the foundation for a
desirable scientific andtechnological revolution that will take Nigeria
into Space in the not too distant future.
51. One of thefirst steps taken by this administration
was the creation of a Ministry ofCommunications Technology. Its mandate
includes the design of programmes andinitiatives to deploy ICT as a
driver of sustainable growth and the training ofskilled manpower. For
our country to remain relevant, we need to adequatelyeducate our
people, as it is through education that we can turn our people
intoassets that can help Nigeria compete globally, and create jobs in
the newknowledge economy.
52. By the sametoken, the Ministry of Niger Delta
Affairs is providing training opportunitiesfor the youths in the Niger
Delta. In the past year, a total of 704 youths havebeen sent for
training, abroad and locally, in various fields of endeavour,including
agriculture, petroleum engineering, commerce, tourism, and
maritimestudies. Nine skills centres are beingbuilt, one in each of
the nine states of the Niger Delta; three of them will becompleted this
year.
53. An efficient and affordable public transport
system remains a priorityof this Administration. Our transformation
agenda in the road sector whichseeks to deliver better and safer roads
to Nigerians, as well as to link thesix geo-political zones in the
country with dual carriageways, is very much oncourse. There has been
increased construction activities in the ongoingdualisation of
Abuja–Abaji–Lokoja Road, Kano–Potiskum–Maiduguri Road;
theBenin–Ore–Shagamu Expressway; the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway; and the
constructionof the Loko–Oweto bridge, across River Benue.
54. Work has been slow on the East-West road due to
budgetary constraints,but government will discharge all liabilities to
contractors before the end ofJune, and funds for the remaining part of
the year, will be provided to acceleratethe pace of work. In other
parts of the country, about 21 other road projects arein different
stages of completion. These include the Yola–Numan road,Aba–Owerri
road, Owerri–Onitsha expressway, Oyo–Ogbomosho old road, and
theGombe-Potiskum road. Many others are at different stages of
completion.
55. Government is also currently rehabilitating about
3,000 kms out of the3,505 km existing narrow gauge rail lines across
the country. The Lagos-Kanocorridor will be completed this year, while
the Port Harcourt-Maiduguricorridor, which has equally commenced, will
be completed by the end of2013. We have also commenced theconstruction
of the Abuja–Kaduna segment of the Lagos–Kano standard gauge raillines,
while the Lagos–Ibadan segment will be awarded this year. The
Itakpe–Ajaokuta–Warristandard gauge rail line is nearing completion
with the entire trackscompletely laid.
56. To enhance sustainability in the rail sector, this
Administration hassigned a Memorandum of Understanding with General
Electric (GE) to establish alocomotive assembly plant in the country.
Our goal is to make Nigeria a major hub in West and Central Africa.
57. Within the last 12 months, we completed the
capital dredging of theLower River Niger from Warri (Delta State) to
Baro (Niger State) to boost ourinland water transportation. This year,
work will commence on the dredging ofthe River Benue in addition to the
construction of River Ports at Baro (NigerState), Oguta (Imo State),
and Jamata/Lokoja, (Kogi State). The Onitsha River Portin Anambra
State, equipped with modern cargo handling equipment, has beencompleted
and I shall be commissioning the project in the next few weeks.
58. The Aviation sector remains pivotal to our
economic growth. Within thelast year, we have developed a road map for
the restoration of decayingfacilities and infrastructure, some of which
had not been attended to since theywere first constructed over 30 years
ago. Currently, we are renovating airportsacross the country and have
begun the development of four new internationalterminals at Lagos, Port
Harcourt, Kano and Abuja. We have also reviewed our Bilateral
AirService Agreements to ensure improved service delivery, and
morecustomer-friendly processes. We are working to ensure that within
the life ofthis Administration, the aviation sector in Nigeria will be
transformed into aworld class and self-sustaining provider of safe,
secure and comfortable airtransportation.
59. Globally, the role of women in governance has
assumed greatsignificance. In Nigeria, it is also widely acknowledged
that women whoconstitute about half of the Nigerian population are
great and invaluable assets,in both the public and private spheres.
Onour part, we have demonstrated serious commitment in further
empowering womenand projecting their role in public life. Out of the 42
members of the Federal ExecutiveCouncil, 13 are women, heading major
Ministries of Government.
60. Last week, I appointed the first female Chairman
of the Federal Civil ServiceCommission. In the Armed Forces, female
cadets have been admitted into the prestigiousNigerian Defence Academy,
an institution that was hitherto an exclusivepreserve of men. The first
set will graduate in 2016. This year, we reached a significant
milestoneas the Nigerian Air Force produced the first Nigerian female
combatant pilot.Our administration will continue to empower women and
the girl-child as a focalpoint of our Transformation Agenda.
61. More than anything else, health matters. We are
upgrading the country’s tertiaryhealth facilities to bring them up to
international standards. We have increasedfunding for health-related
MDGs. We are also committed to reducing maternal andinfant mortality,
and to eradicating polio completely by 2014.
62. I want to reassure all Nigerians that this
administration remainscommitted to waging a sustained battle against
the menace of corruption. In thelast one year, we have taken specific
steps to reduce opportunities and avenuesfor corruption, and to
strengthen the capacity and integrity of our institutions. For
example, our ports reform programme hasreduced the number of agencies
at the ports which hitherto frustrated thespeedy clearance of goods at
the ports. We have also cleared the stretch oftrailers and lorries
blocking the Apapa Expressway. We have put an end to thefertilizer and
tractor scam that once dominated the agricultural sector. Ourreview of
the pension payment system has also blown the whistle on
corruptpractices which are now being addressed.
63. Within the last one year, we set up a committee to
identify leakagesand waste in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
I am confident that theimplementation of the recommendations of that
committee will help to eliminatecorruption channels within the system,
and improve the efficiency of the publicservice. In January, we
announced a policy of deregulation in the downstreamsector, but this
was misunderstood by naysayers and reduced narrowly to a fuelsubsidy
removal initiative, whereas the policy was designed to
completelyeliminate the grand corruption in the downstream sector, and
create thenecessary incentives for private sector investment.
64. We have strengthened theleadership of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and theIndependent
Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). Both agencies are
beingre-positioned for more effective service delivery. We will
continue tostrengthen the law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies
for optimal performance. We will also need the support of ourcourts.
The courts have to do more.
65. Terrorism, a new menace, totally alien to our way
of life and culture,has reared its head and is posing a serious
challenge. My thoughts and prayers go to the victims of the terrorist
attacks, andtheir families.
66. As President, it is my solemn duty to defend the
Constitution of thiscountry. That includes the obligation toprotect
life and property. We are doing everything possible to check the
menaceof terrorism. In this regard, we aredetermined to review some of
the existing laws, to further strengthen thenational counter-terrorism
strategy. Coordinated joint action among oursecurity agencies has now
assumed greater importance. We have developed a new security
architectureto strengthen the security environment.
67. I wish to reassure every Nigerian that we will
confront this threatagainst our collective peace and security, and
bring the perpetrators tojustice. We will confront the few misguided
persons who falsely believe, thatthrough violence, they can impose
their agenda of hate and division on thisnation of good people. We must
confront all those who think they can derail usby engaging in
indiscriminate violence and mass murder, perpetrated in placesof
worship, in markets and public places, against the media, and
securitypersonnel. Nigeria is a nation of resilient people. We will
never yield to theforces of darkness. Nigeria will never, ever,
disintegrate.
68. Let me end this address at the point where I
began. What matters mostto all of us, is Nigeria. It is what binds us
together. We have a duty to beloyal to our country. If we believe this
to be a sacred obligation, it will notmatter whether we are Christians
or Muslims, or politicians, irrespective ofpolitical parties or divide.
It really will not matter whether we are civilsociety agents, social
activists or union leaders. What matters is Nigeria. This nation
existsbecause we are one. We must, therefore, remain as one family, and
work togetherto defend our country.
69. Within two years, it would be exactly 100 years
since the Northern andSouthern protectorates were amalgamated and
Nigeria was born. We need a lotmore introspection, even as we look
forward. We must take steps to heal thewounds of the past and work
together, as a people with a shared destiny underone flag. We must
strengthen our collective memory, draw strength from ourhistory, and
build bridges of unity to take our country to greater heights.
70. This is what we should do. Andwe must. As a
starting point, we must draw strength from our history and workto
ensure that the labour of our heroes past is not in vain. It is partly
forthis and other reasons, that I have directed, as part of the
activities markingtoday’s Democracy Day, that all due processes should
be initiated for thebuilding of a Presidential Museum in Abuja, the
Federal Capital Territory. ThisMuseum will document the lives and times
of Nigeria’s Presidents and Heads ofGovernment since 1960, and remind
us, by extension, of the high points of ournational history.
71. It is also in this regard that the Federal
Government has decided thatlate Chief M.K.O. Abiola be honoured,for
making the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and truth.
Destinyand circumstances conspired to place upon his shoulders a
historic burden, andhe rose to the occasion with character and courage.
He deserves recognition forhis martyrdom, and public-spiritedness and
for being the man of history that hewas. We need in our land, more men
andwomen who will stand up to defend their beliefs, and whose example
will furtherenrich our democracy. After very careful consideration, and
in honour of ChiefM.K.O. Abiola’s accomplishments and heroism, on this
Democracy Day, theUniversity of Lagos, is renamed by the Federal
Government of Nigeria, MoshoodAbiola University, Lagos. The Federal
Government will also establish anInstitute of Democratic Studies and
Governance in the University.
72. Thank you.
Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger, on Sunday called on the Federal Government to release its white paper on the various bomb blasts in the country.
