Below is the full text of president Jonathan’s declaration
speech today Nov. 11 at the Eagle’s Square
Dear Compatriots:
1. Four
years ago, precisely September 18, 2010; I stood in this Eagle Square, to offer
myself for election as the President of our beloved country on the platform of
our great party; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
2. Seven
months after that declaration, you elected me to lead this country with
overwhelming support from all parts of our Nation. I remain grateful for the
trust you reposed in me to lead our Nation through uncommon challenges in our
march of progress as a united and democratic country.
3. Over
the years, the Almighty God has made it possible for me to develop a bond with
you and I am grateful for your support and understanding in the difficult
periods we have journeyed through.
4. Distinguished
ladies and gentlemen, our stewardship has not been without challenges. We have
had to deal with the wave of insurgency that has swept through some parts of
our dear country. Only yesterday, Government Science Secondary School in
YobeState was bombed by insurgents, killing our promising young children who
were seeking education to build the country and support their parents. Many
Nigerians have lost their lives and property to these mindless killings. Let me
crave the indulgence of all present here to stand up to observe a minutes
silence in honour of these young lads wholost their lives. Clearly, this has
cast a dark cloud on our Nation but we will surely win the war against terror.
A number of young men and women have been kidnapped by these criminal elements
including our daughters from Chibok. We will free our daughters and defeat
terrorism.
5. We
are equipping the armed forces and deploying special forces to engage the
terrorist and end this senseless war. We must protect our country. We must save
our people. I will do everything humanly possible to end this criminal violence
in our Nation.
6. To
ensure the long term stability and development of the affected areas,
government has launched three programmes: The Presidential Initiative for
the North East, the Victim Support Fund and the Safe School
Initiative. The Presidential Initiative for the Northeastis focused on
improving infrastructure and economic growth in the region. The Safe
School Initiative is centred on creating a safe environment to encourage
our children in the communities to acquire education. The Victim Support
Fund, a partnership with the Private Sector, has raised about 60 billion Naira,
which will help to empower and rehabilitate victims of terror. I promise the
victims of these dastardly acts that we will continue to stand with you.
7. I
am grateful to all Nigerians for standing with me.
8. Let
me also thank the leaders and elders of our great party, the Peoples Democratic
Party, for the opportunity you have given to me to serve our country, Nigeria.
9. I
am overwhelmed by the trust, confidence and support of the various organs of
our party, the Board of Trustees, the National Caucus, the National Executive Committee,
the National Working Committee, the PDP Governors Forum, members of the
PDPCaucuses of the National Assembly, and others.
10. This day
affords me the opportunity to continue the conversation of development we
started together.
11. Infrastructure
has been a major focus area of my administrationand so, we pursued the power
sector reform to this point of irreversible progress. Nigeria has undertaken a
most transparent and corruption free bidding process, attracting global
commendation. The on-going 450MW Azura Power Plant in Edo State is a testimony
to the success of this transformation.
12. We have also
resumed development of our Hydro-Power potential, with the construction of the 700MW
Zungeru Hydro-Power Plant, while construction work on the 3,050MW
Mambilla Hydro-Power Plant is about to take off.
13. Our power
generation and distribution companies have now been privatized. We are firmly
on the road to guaranteed regular power supply in the months ahead. This our
bold move, is paying off!
14. We are
committed to environmental protection and conservation and reducing
vulnerability to climate change. In this regard, we have embarked on a number
of projects across the country. Of particular note is the AfricanGreat
Green Wall Programmed, where we have released about 16 billionnaira for
implementation. The project will create a green belt across 11 states from
Kebbi to Borno.
15. In the past
three and half years, the water sector has witnessed unprecedented
improvement. Access to potable water is now 67%, up from 58% in
2010, while sanitation coverage is 41%, from 32% within the same period.
16. Major
developments in water include the completion of 37 Dams and rehabilitation of
10, with several others on-going construction. The flagship Kashimbila
Multipurpose Dam which is being built to contain flood from Lake Nyos, is now
at 90% completion. We have also completed about 5,000 rural and semi urban
water schemes.
17. We are
reforming the National Urban Water supply programmes in 12 states, with 385
formal and informal irrigation projects, covering a total land area of 118000
ha, cultivated mostly by small holder farmers. This has yielded over 3 million
metric tons of assorted grains and vegetables, with a market value of about
45billion naira.
18. Before
the advent of this administration, the Railway system was practically dead.
Today, we have revived the rail sector. The narrow gauge line from Lagos
to Kano has been rehabilitated with improved coaches providing regular
services. The rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Maidugurirail line is
progressing with the Port Harcourt-Gombe segment as well as the
branch line from Kafanchan to Kaduna expected to be completed and
fully operational by December 2014.
19. Already, work
on the Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge rail line, is progressing. The
tracks of the rail line will be completed by December this year 2014. Upon
completion of the project in the first quarter of 2015, itwill be possible for
Nigerians to live in Kaduna and work in Abuja. The Itape-Ajaokuta-Wari standard
gauge line has attained an advanced stage, with the track completely laid. We
hope to commence full operation before the end of 2015.
20. Other segments
of the new standard gauge speed train network are planned with contract already
awarded for the Lagos –Ibadan Segment. There will be more of such modern
and faster rail connections in the coming years. Already, discussions are now
at advanced stage, for the Coastal rail line that will traverse through 10
states, from Lagos through the South-Southand South-East, all the way to
Calabar.
21. My
administration has successfully completed the dredging of the lower River Niger
from Baro in Niger State to Warriin in Delta State. The cheering news is that
over 6.7 million passengers and over 1.6 million tonnes of cargo
have been moved through this channel in less than three years.
22. I am happy to
also report that our ports now operate 24 hour service, which has led to the
reduction of clearing time and improved efficiency.
23. When I assumed
office in 2010, out of the 35,000km of federal roads nationwide, only about
5,000km were motorable. Today, that number has increased to about 25,000km. We
expect to complete the remaining 10,000kmin three years while initiating new
ones.
24. I made a
commitment to build two new major bridges across the River Niger and River
Benue. Today, the new bridge over the River Benue, connecting Loko in Nassarawa
State to Oweto in Benue State has reached an advance stage of completion, while
work has commenced on the Second Niger Bridge.
25. Beyond these,
my administration has concluded plans to re-commence the construction of Bodo-Bonny
Road with three major bridges on the alignment that will link the Island
of Bonny with Rivers mainland.
26. Preliminary
works have started on my administration’s planned re-construction and expansion
of the MurtalaMuhammed International Airport Road in Lagos to a world
class entry point into our country. Only a few months ago, work started on the
dualization of Kano-Katsina Road. While many Nigerians are
celebrating the marked improvements on our roads, I want to assure that it will
get even better as we move forward.
27. In the pursuit
of an integrated transportation system, we embarked on the construction of five
new Airport Terminal Buildings and Air-field facilities. We are
alsore-constructing existing ones.The re-construction upon completion, will
lead to improved passenger processing, increased cargo handling capacity and
enhancedAir-field facilities that meet international standard and improves
safety. These efforts have been met with global acknowledgement including the
attainment and retention of the FAA Category One status.
28. In housing, we
signed the National Housing Policy to kick-start the framework for
providing more affordable homes for our people. We have also expanded the National
Housing Fund to accommodate more Nigerians. We have started a revolution
in the housing sector with the start of theNigerianMortgage and Refinanced
Company(NMRC) a new initiative of my administration, that will enable more
citizens in the lower income bracket to become first time home owners.
29. Our partners
such as the World Bank group are supporting this with US300million dollars
interest free credit, while my administration will back it with over 100billion
naira in bonds. We are already processing 66,000 mortgage applications for our
young people. We have amended the PENCOM Act to enable thepension funds invest
inhousing sector bonds. This will create a boom in the housing sector.
30. In the Federal
Capital Territory, we are rapidly building a befitting National Capital by
expanding and providing new infrastructure, developing ten new districts and
Satellite Towns to cater for the ever increasing population. In no distant
future, you will be able to arrive at the NnamdiAzikiwe International Airport
and proceed to the city using the Abuja Light Rail. In addition to providing
durable health, educational and transportation services, we are also
collaborating with Organized Labour to build functional, affordable and social
housing in Abuja.
31. Other
critical capital developments that are being packaged by this Administration
include the development of the Ultra-Modern World Trade Centre, the Abuja
Town Centre, the Jabi Lake Comprehensive Centre, the Centenary City and
the Land Swap Districts. This private sector driven infrastructural
development will positively change the skyline of the city and provide the
required office and residential accommodation, shopping and recreation as well
as tourism and entertainment facilities of the FCT.
32. In our
determination to encourage much greater participation of Nigerians in the oil
and gas industry, one of the first actions I took, was the enactmentof the Nigerian
Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act. As a result of this law,
indigenous Nigerian participation levels, in upstream and downstream activities
of the oil and gas industry have increased by over 45%, thereby increasing
employment opportunities for our youth.
33. We have
also succeeded in eliminating the long queues that previously characterisedour
filling stations, through regular and sustained product supply.
34. Gas
infrastructure to ensure adequate Gas to Power and Gas to
Industry, is being aggressively put in place.Over 450km of gas pipelines have
been installed over the last 3years. Another 2,000km is planned over the next
4years. Critical petrochemical andfertilizerfacilities have
commenced including thegas industrial park in Delta State, for which I am
scheduled to perform the ground-breaking this Friday. This will create millionsof
jobsand make Nigeria a regional hub.
35. In addition, as
a result of government favourable policies the private sector is investing over 12
billion dollars in the petrochemical sector, over the next 4years. This
will surely create millions of jobs for our people.
36. In terms of gas
supply, we have grown from less than500million cubic feet per day, 4yearsago,
to about1.5 billion cubic feet per day currently. Our goal is to attain 4
billion cubic feet per day, over the next 4years.
37. We have changed
the face of agriculture. We moved agriculture away from a development Programme
to agriculture as a business. My vision is to create wealth for our people
through agriculture.
38. We have focused
on encouraging the private sector to boost investments in the agricultural
sector. As a result, the number of seed companies rose from five to eighty in
the past three years. Private sector investment in the agricultural sector
expanded by $ US 5.6 billion across the Agricultural value chain.
39. We ended
decades of corruption in the fertilizer and seed sectors. We developed a
transparent and efficient system of reaching farmers directly with subsidized
farm inputs. Before our reforms, fertilizer procurement and distribution took
from the needy and gave to the greedy. We restored dignity back to farmers.
Today, 14 million farmers, of which 2 million are women, access fertilizers
with their mobile phones, through an e-wallet system. Nigeria is the first
country in the world to develop an e-wallet system to reach farmers with
subsidized farm inputs on their mobile phones. Several African countries are
now borrowing this transparent and efficient e-wallet system for their own
countries.
40. Our national
food production expanded by an additional 21 million metric tons between 2011
and 2014, a record, exceeding our set target of 20 million metric tons set for
2015.The Dangote Group, has committed to invest $ US 1 billion in commercial
rice production and processing. With all these developments, we are expected to
be an exporter of rice in the next five years. This will be a new dawn!
41. The
benefits are showing on our food imports. Our food import bill has declined
from 1.1 trillion Naira in 2009 to 684 billion Naira by
December 2013, even with our increasing population, a reduction of 40%.
42. Nigeria
met its Millennium Development Goal Oneon reducing hunger and extreme
poverty, two years ahead of 2015 target set by the United Nations, and was
given an award by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
43. To
sustain this trend, we are encouraging young graduates through the
Nagropreneurs Programme to go into commercial Agriculture. We are also
encouraging our students in Post Primary Schools to embrace commercial
Agriculture through the National School Agriculture Programme.
44. My dear
people, corruption remains a big challenge in our national life. It corrodes
our efforts at development and at motivating competence in critical sectors of
our national growth. We have eradicated it in the agricultural sector and we
will surely eradicate it in other sectors of our economy.
45. Going forward,
my focus is to continue to reinforce institutions, systems, and processes to
tackle corruption, and also to bring to justice those that perpetrate
corruption. Through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information
System(IPPIS), we have weeded out 56,000 ghost workers from the Federal
Civil Service, saving 162 billion naira.
46. I have directed
ICPC to bring the perpetrators of this criminal act to book. Let this be very
clear, public officers must live by example, fully accounting for the national
trust and resources in their care.
47. In our journey
to progress, knowledge is indispensable. Knowledge is power! This is why my
administration established 14 new Universities out of which 12 are conventional
and two are specializedPolice and Maritime Universities. Under my watch, every
state in Nigeria, now has a Federal University.
48. In addition,
over 500billion naira have been spent, through the Tertiary Education
Trust Fund (TETFund) and the special NEEDS assessment fund on various
projects to increase access and improve the quality of infrastructure at the
tertiary level of our education system.
49. To provide
equal access and opportunities in education and ensure that no Nigerian child
is left behind, we have established and equipped 150 Almajiri Schoolsacross
the Northern states and the Out-of-School-Children Programme including Specialized
Boys and Girls Schools across the country.
50. Fellow
Nigerians, our country was faced with a major National security, humanitarian,
and economic threat in the form of the Ebola Virus Disease, which arrived in
the country on July 20, 2014, by way of a foreign national, Mr Patrick Sawyer.
51. Realizing the
imminent threat, I declared a national emergency, pulling states, local and
federal government into action as well as individual Nigerians to combat this
disease. Without the quick action of patriotic Nigerians in the First
Consultant Hospital, as well as the co-operation of Lagos and Rivers State,
where the disease occurred, working with the Federal Ministry of Health and the
co-operation of all Nigerians we could not have succeeded in overcoming this
deadly disease. Fellow Nigerians we stopped Ebola together.
52. Just as we
stopped Ebola, we are on our way to eradicating the Polio Virus in our country. We
have reduced the incident of new Polio Virus from 300 in 2010, to 6 today.
53. My brothers and
sisters, to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance among our teeming
graduates, we have developed creative opportunities for enterprise for our
young people.
54. Programmes such
as YouWIN, the Graduate Internship Scheme, the Nagropreneurs Initiative,
the 220 Billion Naira Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fundand
the 3 Billion Naira Grant to Nollywoodare empowering our graduates, the
creative industry and other young people to start up their own businesses and
employ others.
55. We have
supported the growth of industry through policy and action. We launched The National
industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), and the National Enterprise Development
Programme as key drivers to bring about our desires in the industrial
sectors and to diversify our economy. Our new National Automobile Policy is
transforming Nigeria into a vibrant hub for the automobile industry. Our own
Innoson Motors is producing world standard vehicles, and Nissan, Hyundai, and
Kia, have set up factories in Nigeria and are employing thousands of our
people.
56. Our support for
cement production is unprecedented. We have increased our installed capacity
from 16.5 million metric tons per annum in 2011 to 39.5 million metric tons per
annum in 2014. Nigeria is now exporting cement. We are moving forward!We must
produce what we consume and consume what we produce.
57. Our efforts to
create an enabling environment for job creation in different sectors of the
economy including the MSME sector, agriculture, housing and manufacturing have
yielded results. Between the third quarter of 2012, when we started tracking
jobs created and the end of 2013, 1.9 million jobs were created. To deepen our
success in this area, I have created a Presidential Jobs Creation Board headed
by the Vice President with the mandate to create at least two million jobs a
year.
58. My brothers and
sisters, our economy is heading in the right direction and our efforts are
yielding positive results. Our economy continues to grow at the rate of 6 to 7
percent annually, one of the highest in the world. Our country is now the top
investment destination and the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of
80trillion naira (510billion dollars) as well as the 26thlargest economy in the
world.
59. As part of its
efforts to support inclusive growth and economic development in Nigeriathrough
the CBN, my administration has created and disbursed the sum of 200billion
naira via the Commercial Agric and Credit scheme, 300billion naira Power
and Aviation fund, 220billion naira Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise
Fund, as well as 300
billion
naira rail sector refinancing facilities at single digit interest
rate. We will continue to deepen the reforms in the financial sector,in order
to sustain thegrowth of our economy and uplift our people from poverty to
prosperity.
60. Dear
Compatriots, I promised as President,that we wouldsanitizeand restoreintegrity
in our electoral process,by ensuring that our votes are not only counted, but
truly count. We have gone to great length to ensure transparent, free, fair,
and credible elections. Elections have been conducted across the country
with local and international election observers testifying to their
transparency.
61. On the
international scene, we have advanced our regional, continental and global
objectives. We have strengthened our relationships with our neighbours and in
many instances supported them to protect their democracy, security and
stability.We are serving for a second time within a period of 4years at the United
Nations Security Council.This is unprecedented in our Nation’s history. My
brothers and sister, this is a growing attestation of our country’s growing
influence.
62. In the first
quarter of this year, our country celebrated its centenary. To prepare the
nation for the challenges of the next one hundred years, I convened a National
Conference where recommendations and resolutions were reached towards a
more perfect union. We shall implement the report.
63. Four years ago,
I made a commitment to advance the rise and rise of womanhood. Today, I am glad
that we have made remarkable progress in this regard, trusting in the potential
of our women and reaping from their dedication and ingenuity. I believe that
any nation that ignores womanhood cannot achieve its full potential. It is
in this regard that I ensured that women were given more opportunities in
government, and I have notbeen disappointed.
64. Specifically, I
doubled the percentage of women in the cabinet and gave them more challenging
assignments.
65. The Nigerian
Defence Academy (NDA), is now admitting female cadets as regular
combatants and it is now possible for a woman to rise through the ranks to the
peak in military service,and become a full general.
66. We must
continue to sustain the banner of freedom and justice that we have held high in
our country. I am proud to say that there are no political prisoners in
Nigeria today.No Nigerian has been driven to exile and no one will be, under my
watch.
67. It is in
furtherance of a peaceful, participatory and inclusive democracy that I signed
the Freedom of Information (FOI)Bill into law, to expand the
frontiers of our fundamental freedom.
68. Let me
re-affirm that under a Jonathan Presidency, your views, no matter how freely
expressed, will not send you to prison or into exile.
69. I am convinced
that I have kept my pact with Nigerians, and it is now time to look to the
future. With your tremendous support, we have collectively done so much in the
last three and half years, but to take our country to the next level, there is
still more to be done.
70. History has
shown that the path of honour for any true leader is not to walk away from his
people in moments of challenges. We must stand together in adversity and
overcome all threats to our development. We must defend our future, for the
sake of our children.
71. So many things
have inspired me in the journey to this moment. I want to appreciate ordinary
Nigerians, especially young people, for the solidarity shown to me by
contributing their meagre resources to enable me arrive at this point.
72. I appreciate
the kind gesture of the Cattle Breeders Union, Miyetti Allah, and
the Market Women Association, who encouraged me by coming together to
contribute to the purchase of my Nomination form.
73. In the same
vein, I am touched by the National Association of Widows who also
encouraged me with their widow’s mite.
74. This labour of
love, from ordinary Nigerians, has increased my appreciation of your
solidarity, my trust in our joint destiny, and all we have achieved together
these past three and half years.
75. Therefore,
after seeking the face of God, in quiet reflection with my family and having
listened to the call of our people nationwide to run, I,
GoodluckEbeleAzikiweJonathan, have acceptedto re-present myself, on the platform
of The Peoples’ Democratic Party, for re-election as the President of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the 2015 general elections.
76. Democracy is a
collective action, energized by individual responsibility. Your mandate at this
time will inspire in me the strength to complete the good work we have started
together.
77. My dear people
of Nigeria, we must complete the task of ensuring that we lift the poor out of
the depth of want, and place their feet firmly on the ladder of prosperity.
78. In this
election season, I appeal to all of you, not to harm, maim or kill; and not to
incite violence of any kind. We must never forget our common bond, one people
from the womb of one Nigeria. Again I say: My ambition to serve you is not
worth the blood of any Nigerian. I remain committed to this principle of
non-violence.
79. If you believe
that we must build a country that works for all, where the strong lift up
the weak, and not trample upon them, where the vote of every citizen determines
who governs or represents you, where the democratic space is open to all
citizens to fulfil their aspirations, irrespective of the circumstance of
birth, your brother, GoodluckEbeleAzikiweJonathan stands ready to continue in
service to you.
80. My brothers and
sisters,we cannot go back to the old ways! Our railways were allowed to
rot in neglect, we have revived and are modernising them.
81. We cannot go
back to the old ways! Our road infrastructure collapsed. We are
reconstructing, and expandingfederal roads across the country.
82. We cannot go
back to the old ways! Our airport terminal buildings were dilapidated and our
airspace unsafe. We are fixing this.
83. We cannot go
back to the old ways! Our agricultural practices did not benefit our
farmers and our people. Fertilizer distribution was a major source
of fraud and we were importing food more than our budget can carry. Now we are
on our way to self-sufficiency in food production.
84. Do you want to
go back to the old ways?
85. We cannot go
back to the old ways, where there were long queues at our filling stations
due to irregular supply of products and our people were exploited.
86. We cannot go
back to the old ways, when women and youths were denied opportunities in
government and in responsible positions.
87. Do you want to
go back to the old ways?
88. We cannot go
back to the old ways!We had skewed distribution of tertiary
institutions.Whereas some states had more than onedegree awarding institution,
some had none. We have nowmade sure all states have at least one Federal
University.
89. We cannot go
back to the old ways! Our economy is now the largest in Africa. Once, we
were virtuallyimporting everything, now we are exporting several
products,including cement.
90. We cannot go
back to the old ways!In 2009, average life expectancy was 47 years, by the end
of 2013, it was 52 years. Some of our hospitals now perform open heart
surgeries, kidney transplants and other challenging operations as we reposition
our health service to end decades of medical tourism that drains our scarce
resources.
91. We cannot go
back to the old ways!Together, in unity, we overcame Ebola, and in the process
demonstrated the strength of the Nigerian spirit. And together, united, we must
maintain our vigilance.
92. Do you want to
go back to the old ways?
93. We cannot go
back to the old ways where individual freedoms were trampled upon and citizens
were locked up for expressing their views or criticising government.
94. Do you want to
go back to the old ways?
95. We cannot go
back to the old ways! We must continue to have free and fair elections. We
cannot go back to the era where ballot box snatching and stuffing became the
norm.Where your votes never counted.
96. Certainly, we
cannot!
97. We have to move
forward! Only forward!!, my dear people, Forward!!!
98. In moving
forward, I see a Nigeria that thirsts for progress with children across the
nation, eager for knowledge and safely in schools!
99. I see a Nigeria
where all who have taken up arms, would again embrace peace!
100. I see a Nigeria where our women can
aspire to any heights, without hindrance!
101. I see a Nigeria where the flames in
the Eagles will rekindle, and the Falcons soaring higher in victory!
102. I see a Nigeria where the
children of Mustapha, and Christopher, Ade and Ada,Timi and Bunmi, Nnamdi
and Namadi, do not go hungry!
103. I see a Nigeria where all, no
matter their beliefs, live in peace and harmony!
104. I see a Nigeria where the green
passport is accorded a royal reception the world over!
105. I see a Nigeria where one day
the next generation will take us to outer space.
106. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
leadership is about staying focused to achieve goals despite challenges. I have
been faced with many challenges since coming to office as President. With your
support and encouragement, we have stayed the course.
107. We are succeeding, against all odds.
For the young Nigerian child, who grew up in the rural area, just like me, we
are expanding opportunities and giving them hope. For the market woman, we are
expanding opportunities. For our young entrepreneurs, we are expanding
opportunities. For the right of our people to vote and for their voices to be
heard, we are expanding opportunities. For Nigerians to have the right to free
speech, we are expanding opportunities. For the job seekers, against all odds,
we are expanding opportunities.
108. While serving our people, I will
always ensure the rule of law. I do not intimidate, I expand the democratic
space. I give voice to the voiceless and uphold the weak, for the nation
belongs to us all. Fellow Nigerians, as we build our democracy, leaders must
show temperance at all times. That is a virtue, one which I treasure, and will
always uphold.
109. My people, Nigeria is destined for
greatness. Today, here at Eagle Square, I say to Nigeria, that working together
in love, in stren[if gte mso 9]gth and in faith, we will build a nation of one
people, united in purpose and in action.
110. Fellow Nigerians, it is forward ever!
We must put our hopes to work! Together, we will realize our collective
destiny.
111. Thank you!!
112. God bless Nigeria!!
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