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Full text of Nigeria's Acting President Goodluck Jonathan’s adddress to
the nation - February 9, 2010
Fellow
Nigerians, AS we all know, our dear President, His Excellency, Umaru
Musa Yar’Adua, has been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia for some
time now. Naturally, his absence from the country has generated
considerable interest and a heated national debate. Today, the National
Assembly passed a resolution mandating me to act as President,
Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. In following the extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to
arrive at this decision, the leadership and members of the National
Assembly have shown great courage, statesmanship and patriotism. I
salute them all. In the same vein, I will like to commend all the other
political actors and national leaders, particularly the former heads of
state, elder statesmen, governors of the 36 States and other leaders of
political groups, civil society organisations, the media, and, indeed,
all Nigerians, for their valuable contributions and counsel. Our
security services also deserve our special commendation for their
loyalty and devotion to duty during this trying period. The
circumstances in which I find myself assuming office today as acting
president of our country are uncommon, sober and reflective. More than
ever, therefore, I urge all Nigerians as a people of faith in God, to
pray fervently for the full recovery of our dear president and his early
return.
The events of the recent past have put to the test, our collective
resolve as a democratic nation. I am delighted to note that our nation
has demonstrated resilience and unity of purpose. Today affords us time
to reconnect with ourselves and overcome any suspicions, hurts and
doubts, which had occurred. In all these, there are no winners and no
losers, because by the Grace of God, we have, once again, succeeded in
moving our country forward. We have all shown that our unity as a
people, our love for this country, and our hope for its great future
cannot be shaken. It is now time for us to move on in a more determined
manner to tackle the various challenges which we face as a nation. Our
march towards Vision 20:2020 is irreversible. Therefore, we see a need
to prioritise on a few of the most critical areas which continue to
plague our effort at engendering meaningful economic growth and
development. Some of these critical sectors include power,
infrastructure, security, generation of employment and business
opportunities for our teeming young men and women.
Fellow Nigerians, The Federal Government will take every step necessary
to consolidate the gains of amnesty in the Niger Delta and execute the
post-amnesty programme. I, therefore, appeal to all concerned to be
patient, as there can be no meaningful development without peace and
security. As regards the Jos crisis, government will endeavour to
sustain the peace and find a lasting solution to the recurring crisis in
Plateau State. In the meantime, culprits of the heinous crimes committed
in the recent incident will face the full weight of the law. I want to
restate that government will not tolerate the culture of impunity that
is fast becoming an unwelcome part of our socio-political life. Our
commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property in all parts
of the country will also be pursued with renewed zeal. The Nigeria
Police and other security services would be given new impetus to perform
their duties, even while respecting the human rights of Nigerians. They
are fully expected to produce corresponding results. There shall be no
excuses for failure. Nigerians deserve to be fully protected at all
times nationwide.
Fellow Nigerians, One of the cardinal commitments of this administration
is our commitment to good governance, accountability and transparency.
We shall continue to pursue these policy objectives with all the
seriousness they deserve. In particular, the war against corruption will
be prosecuted more robustly. We will, therefore, strengthen the capacity
of the anti-corruption agencies and give them a free hand to prosecute
the anti corruption war. Let me, once again, commend the people of
Anambra State for the successful conduct of the recent gubernatorial
election. This has shown that Nigerians can conduct free, fair and
credible elections. The Anambra election has, however, exposed some
weaknesses in our electoral system and government is determined to plug
these loopholes as we approach the next general election in 2011. I want
to reassure all Nigerians and our friends around the world that our
determination to ensure that the sanctity of the electoral rights of our
people shall not be compromised. Let me, on behalf of the Nigerian
people, appreciate the international community for their goodwill and
understanding in our efforts at national development and consolidation
of our democracy. Nigeria will continue to play a deserving role in
regional and global affairs. On a personal note, I am deeply humbled and
honoured by this great call to duty. I am fully aware of the
responsibilities reposed in me and I want to reassure all Nigerians that
this is a sacred trust, which I shall discharge to my fullest abilities.
Thank you and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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