President Goodluck Jonathan (fourth
left), First Lady Patience (fifth left) with (from left) Vice President
Namadi Sambo, Former Head of Interim Government Chief Ernest Shonekan,
Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Senate President David Mark,
Deputy Speaker House Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, Minister of Defence
General Aliyu Gusau and Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin
clapping after the cutting of Nigeria’s 54th Independence Anniversary
cake at the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday.
PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN
President Goodluck Jonathan remained defiant yesterday, saying terrorists will fail. He vowed to check their onslaught.
Besides, he urged them to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
Dr. Jonathan, in a 20-minute
Independence Day broadcast aired on television and radio networks,
said Nigeria was in a sober mood due to the activities of terrorists.
But he noted that his administration had recorded giant strides in various sectors of the economy.
He urged politicians to put the love of the country first in all they do ahead of February’s general elections.
The recommendations at the national
conference, the President said, would be implemented as a committee had
been constituted to facilitate it.
He said: “On an occasion like this, it
is important that we remember all the precious souls that have been lost
in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts of our
country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives
their way. They will not succeed!”
“In their mission, they have maimed and
raped. They have killed men, women and children, rendering many children
orphans and several women widows. They have made violence their
ideology and are bent on destroying our country. Dear countrymen and
women, we will not allow them.”
“Night after night, day after day, our
security forces continue to engage the terrorists in battle. My
gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has been greatly
challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the civil
war,” he said, adding:
“Yet, they have remained undaunted and
unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by
patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and
determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes
to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of
terror. Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail
our men and women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and
win this war.”
The President also promised that his
administration will listen to the terrorists that have genuine
grievances, if they bring their grievances to table for dialogue.
He expressed gratitude to the international community for working with Nigeria to confront insecurity.
On the National Conference, Jonathan
said: “I have made a firm commitment that we would act on the
recommendations of the conference. This, I have started by setting up
the ministerial committee headed by the Attorney General of the
Federation to work out the modalities for implementing the Report. Every
promise I make, God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure
you, we shall implement the report.”
He described the National Conference as
the greatest centenary gift to Nigeria, pointing out that one of the
major lessons for the Conference is that Nigeria, as a multi-ethnic
country like, must embrace painstaking dialogue until a consensus is
established.
Speaking on the economy, infrastructure
and Nigeria’s democratic process, Jonathan said: “Our 54-year journey as
a nation has not been easy. There have been tough periods, but the
Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people have seen us
through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights.
“Our Administration has made a
commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a democratic
infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International and
local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral
credibility and we cannot afford to relent.
“We will continue to ensure that the
will of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be
reminded at all times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to
go back to the people at the polls. Election days must not be days of
violence and death. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral
process is characterised by peace, security and transparency.
“I enjoin the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies, politicians and the
electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully, together, to
consolidate on the gains of the recent elections. Free and fair
elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our
people.”
The President read out the achievements of his administration in many areas.
Appealing to politicians, he said: “As
we move into an election year, desperate moves to overheat the polity
are becoming a regular occurrence. Our political leaders in particular
must know that the contest for power should not translate to the
destruction of the polity.
“The contest for the leadership of our
country must yield good governance, and not ungovernable spaces. The
love of country should rank higher than our individual ambitions.
“We must remain committed to a united
and indivisible Nigeria within democratic parameters. The protection of
individual rights, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought,
and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be our goal,”
Jonathan stated.
Commending the spirit of collaboration,
unity and partnership with which the Ebola Virus Disease was confronted
in Nigeria, the President thanked Nigerians for working together to
prevent what could have become a major epidemic.
Low key Independence celebration in Abuja
Low-key ceremony yesterday marked the country 54th Independence anniversary.
In what has become a pattern since the
terror attack in Abuja when Nigeria clocked 50, in 2010, the ceremony
was confined to the Presidential Villa.
The presidential change of guard, which
lasted for about two hours, was held at the fore-court of the
Presidential Villa. It was devoid of the normal full military parade and
entertainment.
In the past, the ceremony was held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
President Goodluck Jonathan did not appear in his ceremonial military uniform.
The President inspected the quarter
guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to receive the national
salute which was followed by a rendition of the national anthem.
Inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard,
silent drills, posting of sentries and colour weapons and uniforms to
ensure conformity with military standards. It was all over.
Shortly after the ceremony, Dr. Jonathan
signed the anniversary register, released pigeons from the cage.
Assisted by some dignitaries, he cut the anniversary cake.
At the end of the event, former Head of
State Gen. Yakubu Gowon said: “I believe in Nigeria. I love Nigeria and
we all must work for Nigeria; that is everybody – the government and the
opposition – in order to make Nigeria great. That is my wish. Nigeria
will survive beyond 2015.”
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker
Emeka Ihedioha said: “It is for us to continue to resolve to build our
country, and to resolve to commonly address our common enemies and
collectively decide to make Nigeria a great country.
Among those who attended the ceremony
were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, former
head of the Interim National Govt, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice
President Alex Ekwueme; former Chief of General Staff Gen. Oladipo
Diya, ministers, top government officials and members of the diplomatic
corps. the nation
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