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Monday 1 October 2012

Full Text of President Jonathan's Independence Speech

This is the unedited text of President Jonathan's address to the nation this morning
Beloved countrymen and women, on this day, fifty-two years ago, our founding fathers brought joy and hope to the hearts of our people when they won independence for our great country. Nigeria made a clean break with more than six decades of colonial rule, and emerged as a truly independent nation. That turning point was a new beginning for our nation.
Those who witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack and the emergence of the Green White Green flag continue to relish the memory, because that ceremony was not just about the destiny of a nation, but the future of a people.
That future is here; we are the inheritors of a great legacy that goes even much farther into the past.
The worthy patriots who made this possible were young men and women in their twenties and thirties. They worked together to restore dignity and honour to the Nigerian people. Their resolve united a multicultural and multilingual nation of diverse peoples, with more than 250 distinct languages and ethnic groups.
In 1960, our diversity became a source of strength, and the new leaders resolved to carry the flag of independence for the benefit of future generations. They had their differences, but they placed a greater premium on the need to come together to build a new nation.
It is that resolve, and that glorious moment that we celebrate today. We also celebrate the patriotism of our heroes past: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Michael Okpara, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay, and several others who made the case for our independence.
We remember as always, their contributions to the making of the Nigerian nation, and the efforts of their successors since 1960. We also celebrate the unfailing optimism and resilience of Nigerians who remain proud of our national identity.
On this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast, because our nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian to rediscover that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people:
We weathered the storm of the civil war, we have refused to be broken by sectarian crises; we have remained a strong nation. I bring to you today, a message of renewed hope and faith in the immense possibilities that lie ahead.
Fellow citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our great Country. I consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative energies of our people. This is a central objective of our administration’s Transformation Agenda. Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Since I assumed office as President of our dear country on the 6th of May 2010, I have continued to work with our countrymen and women to enhance our nation’s growth and development.
Our vision is encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda. We are working hard and making progress on many fronts. We have cleaned up our electoral process; our elections are now globally acclaimed to be free and fair. Nigeria is now on a higher pedestal regarding elections.
Over the past five years, the global economy has been going through a weak and uncertain recovery. During the same period and particularly in the last two years, the Nigerian economy has done appreciably well despite the global financial crisis. Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by 7.1 per cent on average.
It is also significant that the GDP growth has been driven largely by the non-oil sector. In pursuance of the main goals of the Transformation Agenda, a number of reforms and initiatives are being pursued in key sectors of the economy with a view to consolidating the gains of the economic growth.
Our country’s power supply situation is improving gradually. We are successfully implementing a well-integrated power sector reform programme which includes institutional arrangements to facilitate and strengthen private-sector-led power generation, transmission and distribution.
We have also put in place a cost-reflective tariff structure that reduces the cost of power for a majority of electricity consumers. I am pleased with the feedback from across the country, of improvements in power supply.
We are continuing to improve and stabilize on our crude production volumes; our 12-month gas supply emergency plan, put in place earlier this year, has produced more than the targeted volumes of gas for power generation. A robust Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been placed before the National Assembly. Its passage into law will ensure far-reaching reforms, transparency, accountability, increased government revenue and predictability for investors in the Oil and Gas sector.
Several government programmes and projects are creating wealth and millions of job opportunities for our youth and general population. Such programmes include: You-Win, both for the youth and for the women, Public Works, the Local Content Initiative in the Oil and Gas Sector, and the Agricultural Transformation programme.
We have improved on our investment environment; more corporate bodies are investing in the Nigerian economy. Our Investment Climate Reform Programme has helped to attract over N6.8 trillion local and foreign direct investment commitments.
Nigeria has become the preferred destination for investment in Africa. It is ranked first in the top 5 host economies for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa, accounting for over 20 per cent of total FDI flows into the continent. We have streamlined bureaucratic activities at the ports to ensure greater efficiency in the handling of ports and port-related businesses. Specifically, we have drastically reduced the goods clearing period in our ports from about six weeks to about one week and under. We have an ultimate target of 48 hours.
We have put in place, a new visa policy that makes it easier for legitimate investors to receive long stay visas. We have achieved a 24-hour timeline for registration of new businesses, leading to the registration of close to 7, 000 companies within the second quarter of 2012.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has disclosed that, as at July 2012, 249 new members across the country had joined the Association, and that capacity utilization has also improved. The multiplier effect of this development on our job creation programme cannot be over-emphasized.
In the last two years, we have put in place structures for an upgrade of the country’s health sector, to promote in every respect, the individual citizen’s right to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare.
In this regard, we are devoting resources under the Subsidy Reinvestment Program (SURE-P) to reducing malaria incidents, dramatically reducing maternal and child mortality, and eradicating polio.
Fellow Nigerians, in recent times, we have witnessed serious security challenges in parts of our country. We have taken pro-active measures to check the menace. This has included constant consultation and collaboration with our neighbours and other friendly nations on issues relating to internal and cross border security, and the sharing of information on smuggling and illegal dealing in small arms and light weapons.
Our security agencies are constantly being strengthened and repositioned for greater efficiency. Many Nigerians have acknowledged that there has been a significant decline in the spate of security breaches.
While expressing our condolences to the affected families, let me reiterate the commitment of this Administration to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians.
Even as we remain focused on the issue of security, the fight against the scourge of corruption is a top priority of our Administration. We are fighting corruption in all facets of our economy, and we are succeeding. We have put an end to several decades of endemic corruption associated with fertilizer and tractor procurement and distribution. We have exposed decades of scam in the management of pensions and fuel subsidy, and ensured that the culprits are being brought to book.
In its latest report, Transparency International (TI) noted that Nigeria is the second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption.
We will sustain the effort in this direction with an even stronger determination to strengthen the institutions that are statutorily entrusted with the task of ending this scourge.
I have given my commitment of non-interference in the work of the relevant agencies and I am keeping my word. What we require is the full cooperation of all tiers of government, and the public, especially civil society and the media.
This Administration has also introduced for the first time in Nigeria’s history, a Performance Contract System for all Ministers, and other officials of government. This is to further place emphasis on performance, efficiency, and service delivery.
Fellow Nigerians, our determined efforts on several fronts not-withstanding, our country still faces a number of challenges.
Those challenges should not deter us. In the last few weeks, for example, many of our communities have been ravaged by floods, resulting in the loss of lives and property, and the displacement of persons.
I want to reassure all affected Nigerians that I share in their grief, and our Administration is taking steps to address these incidents, in collaboration with the States and Local Governments.
I have received the interim Report of the Presidential team that I set up to assess the flooding situation across the country.
The Federal Government has taken measures to assist the affected States, while considering long term measures to check future reoccurrence.
We must continue to work together, confidently and faithfully, to ensure that our country’s potentials are realised to the fullest; that our dreams are translated into reality; and that our goals are achieved.
Let me reiterate that our administration is committed to the pursuit of fundamental objectives of an open society: the pursuit of freedom, security and prosperity for the Nigerian people, and the rule of law.
In the next few days, I shall lay before the National Assembly the 2013 Federal Budget Proposal so that deliberations can commence in earnest on the key policies, programmes and projects that will mark a decisive year for our development and transformation.
I have no doubt that by the time I address you on our next independence anniversary, many of our reform efforts would have yielded even better results.
Over the years, several leaders have built on the foundation laid by our Founding Fathers. The baton is now in our hands. Let me assure all Nigerians that we shall not fail.
I am confident that Nigeria will continue to be a source of pride to its citizens; to Africa and the Black Race and to humanity; a land that is known for progress, freedom, peace and the promotion of human dignity.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless you all.

83 comments:

Warri Girl said...

After all this long speech, we won't see any change in the situation of the nation.

ZOELANDA!! said...

Like I couldn't read it all.. I just know he iz speaking swahili.. *flipping tru ma G.M.A.T

Anonymous said...

All I heard was "blah blah blah blahblah blah blah blah blahblah blahblah blah blah blah blah blah blahblah blah" God bl ess nigeria.

Anonymous said...

Be the change you want to see

Cynthia Ese said...

Nigeria, the land of the disabled abled and abled disabled.

Unknown said...

God help nigeria

Anonymous said...

Dis man don sell nigeria give china abi na wetin

Anonymous said...

Na wah oooo, didn't even bother readin to end! Worthless!!!.......Linda u beta post dis o, I no knw wetin I do u, sho

Anonymous said...

Fellow Nigerians, continue to do the good work that God has put in your hearts. If we leave it to our Govt, we will wallow in poverty. May we receive the mercy of the almighty and have an overhaul of the entire system, save for Fashola, Rochas and some South South governors.

May the bad eggs (majority of them) be ousted one way or the other.

So help us God. Amen

Amazon said...

abeg jare...show working

Amazon said...

Abeg jare...Show working!!!

Anonymous said...

Pray 4 good & it will be so, u ve power in ur tongue, if u believe, it will be well wit u, let us believe dat Nigeria will be better 2moro & i share in d vision of our dear president. Amen

Anonymous said...

Pray 4 good & it will be so, u ve power in ur tongue, if u believe, it will be well wit u, let us believe dat Nigeria will be better 2moro & i share in d vision of our dear president. Amen

Anonymous said...

Hian... carry that ur big nose away jare

honey said...

Idiot you no pray for a change nii, why u dey tlk out of sense.

GRACEE said...

MR PRESIDENT, ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN VOICE. ALL THE SAME WE HAVE HEARD YOU AND WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR ACTIONS. I PRAY THAT GOD WE GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO FULFILL ALL YOUR PROMISES IN JESUS NAME (AMEN)

Okubo said...

Great speech, empty words. Dat was quite lengthy.

Anonymous said...

I think he released the speech knowing that peeps won't be tuning in.
Besides it looks like he's copying he Us style of releasing their speech b4 they speak. I'm not sure I saw anything on why the budget took so long this year and still not complete or maybe I read thru too fast.

Boodogay James Bond said...

Linda, pls tell this your president to go and sleeeeeeeep!

I take God Beg you!

Biko....

Godspowerogono said...

one thing i know is dat human can not soLve human problem ..it only JEHOVAH GOD DAT CAN DO DAT

Unknown said...

All i see is an already prepared speech that was probably arranged and formatted last night, and ABSOLUTELY nothing to show for all of it...God bless Nigeria, regardless..

Anonymous said...

Negativity is nt d way forward. Don't use 'won't'

Anonymous said...

5 fullscap sheet lol

Anonymous said...

ONOME says......
Thanks Linda for posting the speech.
Mr president,I see you mean well for Nigerians but unfortunately sir;I have lost all faith in you and ur administration. Until I see real tangible results sir,I still maintain that u and ur people in govt have failed fellow Nigerians. There's so much grief and pain and disenchantment and suffering and hopelessness and hunger and sickness and poverty and unfairness and corruption in d land sir. So much sir;it's unbelievable.

God bless Nigeria

KOFOSHY said...

Wash of life (˘̩̩̩.˘̩̩̩ƪ)

Anonymous said...

Omo men, ur funny. The speech no go provide u with Job abi?

Anonymous said...

Honey I can see ur a patriotic nigerian.well sorry to say ur the idiot,the fool in-short ur foolish..nuffing u would change after the whole english it has never change it would never change. So pls don't be fooled by dis pple's long english.

Anonymous said...

OH,SO TODAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY?

Anonymous said...

Action speaks louder than voice

Anonymous said...

Many of you that commented negatively about the president's address are bunch of hypocrites. If the president was your brother or uncle or family member, you would not have said anything negative about him; because some goodies are coming your way.
Lastly, my today is better than my yesterday. If you disagree, you will continue to complain till Jesus comes.

Anonymous said...

i didnt watch Gej and didnt read this speech written for him as usual either.atleast i am aware of the untold hardship his administration mets out daily to Nigerians. This is enuff proof to measure where we stand at 52 not what some dummy,paper president tells me on "dependence day".

Anonymous said...

Yawwwwwwwnnnnn....boring...NEXT

Anonymous said...

Is that sweat around his neckline?

Anonymous said...

the guy that wrote the speech for him tried,it's not like he can come out and speak insultively about the country he rules, for our shortcomings

One Word Man said...

Ahhn ahhn,
Wat do u mean???
Hw can u tell some dats fast asleep to go back to sleep...
Na to die be dat 1 oooooo
Or did u mean dat he shuld commit sucide (its not a comment ooo its a question on intent) looooooool

Anonymous said...

#YAWNS#

ANGELIC said...

Its a damn long speech nd I almost slept while readn it. *seriously* d tin is d change nigerians want can only b enforced by d collectiv efforts of nigerians nd nt left 4 one man 2 do, we can choose 2 complain all we lik bt notin wil happen if we do notin.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful rubbish lol if I was goodluck ebele jonathan I won't vote for my self in 2015 lol same ol same ol nija we need a real leader not somebdy dat is clue less (in my goodluck ebele voice I don't give a damn!!)Lol

Anonymous said...

He is fighting corruption by being in bed with all corrupt practises and people. By demanding a percentage of every contract or by never persecuting the people found wanting. He should have just kept quiet because naïve Nigerians will still believe these lies

Anonymous said...

A better speech from President GEJ shld have been this! "fellow Nigerians, it is well!" *just a suggestion*

Anonymous said...

Oga! Mr. President all dat u de talk i don't think is the solution to 2 nigerian problem mek u change wooo!

Anonymous said...

Pass the mic joor!!!

Anonymous said...

Long story!next

Anonymous said...

@ Warri girl just say Amen n hard over to God,whilst doing ur own part as a patriotic Citizen. We shall overcome all of our ailments sooner than we expect,so help us GOD.

Anonymous said...

As u heard bla blah blah, so it shall be for u. GEJ is just one human being. Nigerians will do well to pray for our persons in authority; afterall, it is said people deserve their leader.if u didn't hear anything pray for change, when the Hausa pple were leading no one dared run their mouths cos of fear of repercussions.....carry go Jonathan our president. It is well with Nigeria, it is well with you.

Anonymous said...

All of u pple wishing redundancy to our country, make that be your portion,cos the Bible says I will bless those that bless u and curse those that curse u, all of una be careful with wht ur fingers type n what ur heart concieves,for as a man thinket so wiLl he be,as una de curse Nugeria then make una no vex when nothing in Nigeria works for u!

Anonymous said...

My President, I can see u struggling with the weight of 9ja, even if you cut your head to satisfy Nigerians they will say you didn't do it well. God is your help. He will arise with Healing for Nigeria. All who complain let him who is without shortcomings and with answers to Nigeria's challenges come out boldly. If not, pls hold your peace and let our President be. We love you Sir, let those who don't go and bathe with acid.IT IS WELL.

Anonymous said...

After the speech, what next???????????

Eze said...

Is Transparency International your corruption committee? How come rogues like Farouk,Bankole,IBB,OBJ haven't been tried and you are talking nonsense of fighting corruption. GEJ's administration is so full of LIES!

Anonymous said...

After the speech, what next???????????

Anonymous said...

Well written.....but, what was he saying?

Anonymous said...

*yawn*..... This Space Is For Sale.





Krayzie Klay.

Anonymous said...

Donn't mind Honey at all .He is being fooled by d unstoppable grammar that cann't change anything. Foolish nd unintelligent govt.

Anonymous said...

i luv d speech, 9ice one mr president. Only God dat can help dis country from dis mess. N all dis fools dat r typin nonsense think of wat u can do 4 d country not only wat d country will do 4 u.

Anonymous said...

If you we're the chairman of one of the big multinationals in Nigeria, would you hire GEJ to be your Managing Director? ................... My thoughts exactly. Why do we settle for less when we have some of the brightest brains in Nigeria.

Chic Haven said...

Happy Birthday Nigeria!
October 1, 2012 / Leave a Comment / Chic Haven / Edit
(0 Users)


Today marks 52 years of Nigeria’s Independence. I would love to look back and count our many accomplishments… but unfortunately the bad out-ways the good.

Corrupt leaders, corrupt people, selfish and greedy youth… I am optimistic about our future though. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am praying for change – good roads/infrastructures, better and affordable health care, constant electricity and fuel supply, increased employment rate, a renewed mind (for all those fascinated with acquiring the luxuries of the western world while destroying our homeland in the process).

Happy 52nd birthday! A big thank you to the likes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Emeka Ojukwu, Ken Saro-wiwa, Wole Soyinka, etc …all who have fought for the betterment of our Nation. To all you other theives….Burn in Hell!

http://blog.chichaven.com/?p=2553

Anonymous said...

For how long if I may ask? Anoda 52 yrs? Abeg u pple should b realistic we aren't going anywhr.

Anonymous said...

Next year its goin to b the same speech wit some alterations and d years after. If u doubt go back n read d former speeches.

Anonymous said...

All D̶̲̥̅̊ speech na headache,mchteeeeeew.

Austin Uche said...

reading dis speech actually makes me feel berra than hearing d pesin giving d speech, cos there is no emotion frm him... All i cld see in his face was "i have told this stupid speech writer to always be shortening dis my speech, this is not d democratic convention". Buh me i believe in Nigerians, not its govt to change d situation of dis country... We gats loads of potentials in our people........ #finally finally, God has d final say !

Anonymous said...

Hahaha....you are a clown seriously....lol.

Anonymous said...

There is no breath of fresh Air.

nenye AD said...

Yes o!

Anonymous said...

If I hear say I finish dis political jibby jabber!

Unknown said...

God bless Nigeria and its people! Let us all join hand 2gether and pray it works for our own good and d generation 2 come iJN. Amen

Unknown said...

God bless Nigeria and its people! Let us all join hand 2gether and pray it works for our own good and d generation 2 come iJN. Amen

A said...

Seriously people, this is a great speech! Its well structured and if all the facts stated are true, then we are really on our way forward.
It was neither looong nor boring.... Are you guys the same people who were oohing and aahing over michelle Obama's empty speech weeks ago and yet cannot see that this is a better speech than any nigerian president has given in the last couple of years?
If he's lying about the GDP or power supply or reduction in corruption or ranking for foreign investments then say so and state your sources, but if he hasn't lied then I think its very silly for anybody to condemn this speech.
One man is not to blame for Nigeria's problems and one man cannot solve them, be the change you want to see, only the weak blame others for their problems so when you go around blaming jonathan for problems nigeria has had for decades, you are only proclaiming how weak you really are.

Str8FrmDaHips said...

*yawns*...probs making the same old stupid promises that would never ever see the light..poor getting poore..political thieves getting richer..
Ok..let's pause for a mo..BH are bombing the hell out of the North..why has development stalled in the other parts of Nigeria??..just using the confusion to rob 9ja blind..
52 years of crap!!

Anonymous said...

9JA WAEC RESULTS...

Health=F9
Poverty=A1
Education=P7,

Security=F9,
Transport=P7,
Social amenities=F9,
Power=F9,
Corruption=A1,
Election rigging=A1,
Human Rights=P8,
Unemployment=F9
Prostitution=A1 ,
Kidnapping=A1,
Robbery=A1,
Bombing=A2

Anonymous said...

u can't chop ur way into heaven..might as well make do now!!

Anonymous said...

Before you come and declare Nigerians for stating everything he said is a lie, try to investigate too. Transparaency bored stated that Nigeria is more corrupt than 2010, premium times today. Also, electricity has not improved (source:daily reality). 1 man can't make it better, but 1 person has made a lot worse and harder for 90percent of the population. So my dear, forget solidarity to your brother and think about what if by defending your brother your life will be better.

Anonymous said...

u know unless 9ja split up..Niger Delta people would never smell power again...mark my words..guess thats why they stealing with impunity..like the Hausas did..but they got numbers and solidarity..

Unknown said...

Notice the Ijaw flag?

Unknown said...

That isn't the Nigerian flag in the background. Is it?

Anonymous said...

Dear stranger; yes o but na d day ur slave masters are coming for u

Anonymous said...

all of you that just running mouth GEJ dis GEJ dat. have you ever considered how hotttt dat seat is. most of you wont even make a day.

great speech Mr Presidooo.

Noble said...

Pls oo.. I hv some questions.. Which flags are does behind presido and what is that round his neck -"sweat"??

zibah said...

please look behind the president.were is our national flag?watched the broadcast yesterday and noticed our flag was on the president's left side very hidden from view.didnt know what the flags behind him represented and was told it was the armed forces flag.a foriegner wil think that was our flag.was this delibrate or mistake?

Anonymous said...

Just 4get our leader.s

Anonymous said...

i still luv GEJ. yes he made a mistake by removing subsidy jan 1 as against april we were supposedly told.

should i continue to be angry abt dat mistake? no. i refuse to be.

if it took nigeria 52 years to get to dis bad situation, i dont expct it wil take us 1yr to correct all wrongs.

one step at a time and we shall get thr.

Anonymous said...

there is nothing this man can say dats will change the way i feel of this country called Nigeria. i am currently in ivory coast and the power hasn't gone out since i came.this is a country dat just came out of war yet they have constant power supply.the porrest ivorian can afford food.i walked on their street and have neva seen anyone begging for money, but in Naija pple suit up to beg for 100naira.these ivorians don't have one single mineral resource inside the grounds yet they re comfortable.i have been here for 3 months and i have neva heard dat armed robber robbed someone,not dat it doesn't happen but it has been cubbed to the bearest minimum.God will not come down and sweep ur house for u, na u go come carry broom do am.he didn't come down for his son when he was been nailed to the cross so he won't come down cos of Nigeria.

Unknown said...

Almost all the comments I could read were written by irresponsible citizens, most of whom did not read the speech. Na GEJ cause your problems? I'm not saying the guy is the best, all I'm saying is that you owe it to yourself to be whatever you want to be. Take responsibility.

Anonymous said...

All dese fools sayin rubbish abt Jonathan r d onces spoiling dis country.....if u wnt 2 see a change, start 4rm ur own self. Instead of saying rubbish abt ur own country...

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