Mr.president speech by Sahara Reporters

President Goodluck Jonathan
By President Goodluck Jonathan
Fellow Nigerians: I greet and felicitate
with you all, today, as we mark 15 years
of uninterrupted democratic governance
in our beloved country.
2.  Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly
come a long way and made notable
progress since our first Democracy Day
on May 29, 1999 when the military finally
relinquished power and handed over to a
democratically-elected government,
marking the true beginning of a
government of the people, by the people,
for the people.”
3.  Although I have ordered a low-key
commemoration of this year’s Democracy
Day in deference to the current mood of
the nation, there can be no doubt that
the past 15 years, the longest period of
sustained democratic governance in our
country, have been a blessing to us, as a
people.
4.  As we commemorate 15 years of our
Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe
that it is fitting that we pay tribute once
again to all those who played a part in
restoring our nation to the true path of
democratic governance, built on the
foundations of rule of law and freedom of
expression.
5.  As a result of our collective efforts
since 1999, democratic governance is
now entrenched in our nation and
institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that
our people are the better for it. The
scope of fundamental rights and liberties
enjoyed by our people overthe past 15
years has been expanded beyond
measure.
6.  On my watch, we have witnessed high
national economic growth rates, steady
improvements and expansion of national
infrastructure including airports and
roads, the restoration of rail
transportation, the efficient
implementation of a roadmap for
improved power supply, a revolutionary
approach to agricultural production, as
well as advances in education, sports,
youth development, healthcare delivery,
housing, water supply and other social
services.
7.   In the oil and gas sector, our
promotion of a sustainable local content
policy, continues to guarantee equity and
better opportunities for
Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled
personnel.
8.  Significant increase in mobile
telephoneand national broadband
penetration, making Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) one of
the fastest growing sectors of the
Nigerian economy. We have also
developed strong financial markets and
regulatory institutions. Our banks now
have regional and global footprints.
9.  Nigeria has also gained recognition as
the largest economy in Africa, the most
preferred investment destination in the
continent and in terms of returns on
investment, the fourth in the world. We
are pleased that the world has noticed,
as global leaders converged in Abuja
early this month for the World Economic
Forum in Africa.
10.The event not only witnessed a record
attendance, it brought the prospect of an
additional flow of investment into the
Nigerian economy estimated at over $68
billion over the next few years.
11. In foreign relations, our country has
equally done well within this period, by
establishing and strengthening strong
partnerships with all ECOWAS countries
and the rest of the world. This has
helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership
role in multilateral institutions including
the United Nations.
12.Furthermore, under this
administration, we have made consistent
progress in improving the standard of
elections in our country to ensure that
they are ever more credible and truly
representative of the people’s free
choice. The National Conference we
initiated to deliberate and make
recommendations on the best ways of
resolving our current political and socio-
economic challenges is ongoing. It is our
expectation that its outcomes will help to
further consolidate the gains we have
made from democracy in the past 15
years, and place our dear nation even
more firmly on the path to greatness.
Dear Compatriots,
13. It is a sad fact that as I address you
today, all the gains of the past 15 years
of democratic governance in our country
are threatened by the presence of
international terrorism on our shores. Our
dear country, Nigeria is facing a new
challenge. A war has been unleashed on
us. Extremist foreign elements,
collaborating with some of our misguided
citizens, are focused on an attempt to
bring down our country and the
democracy and freedomwe cherish and
celebrate today.
14. The despicable abduction of school
girls from Chibok in Borno State has
brought to the awareness of the entire
world, the heartless brutality of these
terrorists who want to instigate a
descent into anarchy and balkanize our
nation.
15. In recent years, terrorist attacks
have claimed the lives of several of our
compatriots, many have been  injured or
maimed, whole villages and communities
have been destroyed and the economy of
some of our states  is in jeopardy.
16. There can be no doubt that what we
are witnessing in Nigeria today is a
manifestation of the same warped and
ferocious world view that brought down
the Twin Towers in New York, killed
innocent persons in Boston and led to
the murder of defenceless people in the
Southern Russian city of Volgograd.
Terrorist activities have brought war and
pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria,
Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents
of evil continue to brainwash and incite
ignorant young men and women to
attack the innocent. We cannot allow this
to continue.
17. I welcome the statements of
solidarity from patriotic citizens and the
global community in support of our
efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud
the understanding that in a democracy,
such as we are building, people can have
differences while sharing worthy values
and standing together in opposition to
the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the
only country we have and we must all
work to preserve it for present and future
generations.
18. Despite the challenges we face, we
must commend our security forces. We
must not forget their gallantry and
successes in liberating nations and in
peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra
Leone,  Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-
Bissau and many places in Africa and
beyond. Our forces have paid the
supreme price in several places at
several times.
19. Today, they face a different
challenge, an unconventional war by
terrorists. They are adjusting and are
being equipped to tackle the new menace
of terrorism. We must show confidence in
their ability. I have no doubt that, with
the support of Nigerians, our neighbours
and the international community, we will
reinforce our defence, free our girls and
rid Nigeria of terrorists.
20. It is now 45 days since the
horrifying abduction of the college girls of
Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety
of their parents and guardians and I
assure them once again that government
will continue to do everything possible to
bring our daughters home.
21. I am determined to protect our
democracy, our national unity and our
political stability, by waging a total war
against terrorism. The unity and stability
of our country, and the protection of lives
and property are non-negotiable. I have
instructed our security forces to launch a
full-scale operation to put an end to the
impunity of terrorists on our soil.
22. I have also authorized the security
forces to use any means necessary under
the law to ensure that this is done. I
assure you that Nigeria will be safe
again, and that these thugs will be driven
away – it will not happen overnight, but
we will spare no effort to achieve this
goal.
23. For our citizens who have joined
hands with Al Qaeda and international
terrorists in the misguided belief that
violence can possibly solve their
problems, our doors remain open to
them for dialogue and reconciliation, if
they renounce terrorism and embrace
peace.
24. My government, while pursuing
security measures, will explore all
options, including readiness to accept
unconditional renunciation of violence by
insurgents, and to ensure their de-
radicalization, rehabilitation and re-
integration into the broader society.
Dear Compatriots,
25. We must remain united to win the
war against terrorism. Christians,
Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen,
teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the
rich, the poor and Nigerians from all
sections of the country must work
together with our security agencies and
armed forces to overcome the terrorists
who now threaten all that we hold dear.
26.                   The war against terror
may be difficult, but the days of peace
will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in
history has evil endured forever. The
menace of Boko Haram will surely come
to an end. I believe that because of your
prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith
and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail
over the terrorists and all other evil
forces.
27.                    We are a strong,
resilient and courageous people.  We will
continue to partner with the civilized
world, to confront international terrorism
and every other challenge that comes our
way with patriotic zeal and
determination.
Fellow Nigerians,
28. Yes, we have challenges but we will
surely overcome. Nigeria is our country.
Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively
protect, defend and develop this country
for ourselves, and our children.
29.                   Long live the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
30.                   Thank you and God
bless Nigeria.

UN COMPLETE PAYMENT IN ADAMAWA

Neither civil servant nor members of representatives of adamawa state received their monthly salary complete without 5% deduction..
the details will soon come.....