Calling Nigeria ‘Work In Progress,’ Jonathan Declares Economy ‘Robust’

BY: FUNMI OJUROYE  October 2nd 2013

Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday set up an advisory committee on National Dialogue to establish the modalities for a National Dialogue or Conference.  The Committee will also design a framework and recommend the form, structure and mechanism of the process.Mr. Jonathan was speaking on the occasion of Nigeria’s 53rd independence anniversary. In what appeared to be an abrupt decision, he said the committee will be chaired by Dr. Femi Okurounmu while Dr. Akilu Indabawa will serve as the Secretary. He said he expected the report to be ready in one month, a complete surprise considering that full membership was yet to be announced.  Following the receipt of the committee’s report, he said the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and moralities of the Dialogue.“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,” he told Nigerians.  “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.”In another claim that is bound to be controversial, he said Nigeria on its journey to greatness has 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.”He called on Nigerians to begin to align their political utterances and conduct solely to the nobler passions that unite our people, stressing that ordinary folks, not politicians make a nation.Why he tried to rally Nigerians against extremism, he curiously mentioned corruption only once, claiming to be “waging a steady battle” against it along with poverty, and unemployment, and corruption.  In a new line in his recent speeches, Mr. Jonathan has stated that the menace of corruption is exaggerated in Nigeria, and he did not dwell.On extremism, he said, “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.”Full text of the address: Address byHis Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFROn the Occasion ofNigeria'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. Throughtriumphs and trials, we have developed a Nigerian identity in our ownway.2.           In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we arechallenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstaclesthat we face. Our strength has been in our diversity. If we look backover the years, we can say confidently that there is every reason tocelebrate.3.           Today's Independence anniversary is unique because it isthe last before we mark our centenary. On January 1, 2014, Nigeriawill be 100 years old as a country, following the amalgamation of theProtectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria in 1914.4.           Beloved country men and women, traditionally, thePresidential address on this symbolic day has served two purposes.  Ithas, quite rightly, been used to remind all Nigerians about ourheritage.  It has also allowed my predecessors and I to comment on ourstewardship to the nation and make political capital out of a stateoccasion.5.           But this year, I will not. Because, today of all days, weshould not be scoring political points. On the contrary, in this lastyear of the first century of our Union, we should be addressing ourfuture as a Nation and a people!6.           I admit that these may not be the best of times for ournation. Our people are divided in many ways – ethnically, religiously,politically, and materially. I cannot hide from this reality. I cannothide from my own responsibilities.7.           As we prepare to mark the centenary, therefore, todayoffers us an opportunity to reflect on our long journey to nationhoodand the progress we have made so far. Whatever the challenges that wemay face, we have every reason to be proud of our nationalaccomplishments; we have every reason to remain proud and optimistic.Our collective national journey has witnessed great watersheds, thanksto our spirit of endurance, perseverance and sacrifice.  Getting therest of the job done with determination and courage is just a matterof time. We are Nigerians, a nation of talented people, endowed withresources, potentials, and Divine Grace.8.           In our journey to greatness as a nation, we have built aneconomy that is robust and erected enduring infrastructure andinstitutions 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 andshared expectation is strong and capable of withstanding the presentsocial, economic and political challenges that still confront us.9.           In saying this, I am reminded of the comments I made aweek ago to a cross-section of Nigerians in New York during the 68thUnited Nations General Assembly. I declare now as I declared then: wehave a duty as Nigerians, whatever may be our differences orprejudices, to always put Nigeria first.10.       Our politics should be an art of patriotic labour andselfless service to the community, particularly by the political elitewho are placed in positions of great trust and responsibility.Politics has its own high moral principles which abhor distracting anddivisive rhetoric. As men and women in leadership, we must continuallyfocus on service, duty, responsibility, and the next generation. Thosewho are elected to govern at all levels must focus on improving thelives of our people, not selfish ambition.11.      In the words of the American theologian and author, JamesFreeman Clarke, ‘a politician thinks of the next election; a statesmanof the next generation’. Whether we are Muslims or Christians; rich orpoor; from the North or the South; East or West; regardless of ourpolitical affiliations, this is the time for every one of us to be astatesman!12.      My clarion call therefore, on this special day, is that weshould begin to align our political utterances and conduct solely tothe nobler passions that unite our people. Politicians do not make anation; ordinary folks do.13.      Our nation is made great by the big and small efforts ofregular citizens. These are the teachers and men and women inacademics who inculcate the knowledge and wisdom that transform intotomorrow’s wealth; the traders and market women who tend to oureveryday needs; the farmers whose labour feeds the nation; theartisans whose work ensures that our homesteads are well maintained;the doctors, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, bankers, engineers, andother professionals who add value to our lives; the sportsmen andwomen and those in the creative industry who bring honour and fame toour nation;14.      And the men and women of our armed forces and securityservices who toil day and night so that you and I may live in a safeand secure nation.15.      It is the individual and collective heroism of these regularfolks that has placed our nation on the path of greatness. Politicsand politicians sometimes distract the people and create unnecessarytension.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 inour march towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. Today, I salute thepeople of Nigeria.17.      My Compatriots, history has proven that nations take time toevolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to beunited by our differences, not destroyed by them. And, there is nomore crucial time for us to be united than now.18.      The threats we face may be real and immediate. But we are notalone in this regard. It is a difficult season for much of the world:industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What matters are thelessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the victory we snatchfrom the jaws of likely defeat.19.      And I tell you, more than anything else, there are lessons tolearn, 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 oncea peaceful, thriving, multi-cultural nation which played host to amosaic of religions and ethnicity.20.      But that once idyllic nation has today become a theater ofhuman misery of unimaginable proportions as a result of the activitiesof extremist forces.21.      Fellow Nigerians, the spectra of extremism haunts everydemocracy in every corner of the globe. While we celebrate ourindependence and good fortune, our hearts must grieve for those whohave lost loved ones in numerous terrorist activities around theworld.22.      Back home, I admit being overtaken by deep feelings of grief,whenever news reached me of the appalling atrocities in some of ourStates, especially the North Eastern part of our country. Just twodays ago, terrorist elements attacked the College of Agriculture inGujba, Yobe State killing a number of innocent students of theinstitution and other residents in cold blood, most of them in theirsleep.  This act of barbarism is a demonstration of the extent towhich 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 havefallen victim of these dastardly acts. Our Administration will notrest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. Ireassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, andno resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our peoplelive 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 fightthis evil of extremism.25.      On behalf of us all, I commend our Armed Forces and securityagencies 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 thenational cause: the cause of our freedom, and our future. We mustrekindle the spirit of Nigeria, to ensure that every democrat andevery 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 ofthis great country. I was elected President to continue the process ofbuilding a prosperous nation where hopes, dreams and aspirations wouldbe fulfilled. Nigerians, home and abroad, want a country they can beproud to call their own.  I am pleased to affirm that, no matter thechallenges we face, we are on the right path to greatness. OurTransformation Agenda, which is part of the overall vision of makingNigeria a land of greatness, has been delivering positive andencouraging results.28.      On May 29th this year, I presented to the nation a mid-termreport of my Administration’s Transformation Agenda. This wasconceived as an integrated policy aimed at reconstructing not onlyinstitutional governance for effective and efficient service delivery,but also a re-orientation of national norms and values.  The documentcaptured the essence of our agenda in relation to core objectives andachievements.29.      I have been consistently mindful of the weight of publicexpectation to find solutions to the challenges that confront usbecause the mandate we have is a free and sacred one. In all that Ihave done, I have been guided by this sacred obligation, to work hardfor the good of Nigeria and to make life better for Nigerians. I wantto assure everyone that Nigeria, under my leadership, will not fail.30.      Exactly 53 years ago today, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewaurged 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 havequestioned how closely we have followed that injunction.31.      But again, I can reassure you that Nigeria’s place on theworld stage today is strong and safe, and it is certainly a place ofdignity and respect. We must continue to build on this by remaining anation and a people committed to ideals, the noblest humanitarianvalues, and the rule of law.32.      Our Constitution is anchored ultimately on the idea offreedom and fundamental rights: freedom of expression; freedom fromdiscrimination; freedom to vote and be voted for, and the right tohuman dignity. These are the core values of a true democracy. Theseare the values of which we must never lose sight.33.      In my address to the UN General Assembly last week, Iemphasized the crucial role of democratization in improving thefortunes not just of this country, but of our entire continent.Democratic values encourage diversity. They encourage discourse. Theyencourage disagreement. This is the joy of democracy.34.      It enables us to have an opinion. And ultimately, the ballotbox gives us all the opportunity to instigate change. When democracyworks, it does not destroy a nation. It unites and defines it.35.      Fellow Nigerians, our Administration has taken cognizance ofsuggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for aNational Dialogue on the future of our beloved country. I am anadvocate of dialogue. When there are issues that stoke tension andbring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interestedparties to come together to discuss.36.      In demonstration of my avowed belief in the positive power ofdialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up anAdvisory Committee whose mandate is to establish the moralities for aNational Dialogue or Conference. The Committee will also design aframework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structureand 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 theCommittee will be announced shortly.38.      I expect the Report to be ready in one month, following whichthe nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure andmoralities of the Dialogue.39.      Fellow Nigerians, the past 53 years have seen Nigeria evolveon an epic scale.  Our progress since independence has not always beensmooth. This is, after all, our Fourth Republic; but despite all itsflaws, it has lasted longer than all the previous three put together.That is progress and it proves that, our differences – real andimagined - notwithstanding, we are, in every sense, a united nation.40.      This is no time for the harmful clutches of parochialsentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity, arrogance andunhelpful indiscipline. We must stand as one, with absolute commitmentand resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity ofour union.41.      I want to thank all our country men and women who have stoodby this Administration in the midst of mounting challenges andenormous expectations.42.      I recognize that it is not easy to keep believing in thepossibilities of our greatness when our faith is constantlychallenged. But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we shallreap the reward of our labour in due season.43.      It is my prayer that, another 53 years from now, our childrenand grand-children will look back on our effort and be thankful thatwe 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.
I thank you.