Jonathan: terrorists ’ll fail

Jonathan: terrorists ’ll fail

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.