Nigeria @ 52: Better days ahead – Jonathan

By Our Reporters
Abuja—As Nigeria celebrated her 52 years of nationhood, yesterday, without much fanfare, President Goodluck Jonathan declared that in spite of several challenges confronting the country, his administration was making progress on many fronts and assured Nigerians of better days ahead.

However, a section of the opposition disagreed with him, saying there was nothing to celebrate.

Osun State, meantime shunned all activities to mark the independence anniversary while protests took the centre stage in Ibadan with activists calling for good governance.

The Federal Government, however, explained why the celebration of this year’s anniversary was low-keyed, saying it was preparing for 2014 when Nigeria will celebrate her 100 years of amalgamation as a country.

In a broadcast to mark the country’s 52nd Independence anniversary, Jonathan, who paid glowing tributes  to the country’s founding fathers, said the future was greater than the present challenges it was facing.

He x-rayed his administration and noted that much progress had been made in the last two years of his administration.

According to him, despite the differences of the country’s founding fathers, they “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 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.”

Jonathan argued that despite the challenges the country has faced, it had continued to over come and triumph.

He said: “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.

“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.”

Jonathan noted that his administration’s  vision which he said was encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda was being pursued with commitment by his administration.

We are making progress on many fronts

According to the President, “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.

52ND ANNIVERSARY CAKE: President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (third left); Senate President, Senator David Mark, former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme; Vice Prresident Namadi Sambo (second left) and other dignitaries during the cutting of the anniversary cake after the Presidential Change of Guards Parade at the Forecourts of the Presidential Villa, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 52nd Independence anniversary, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

“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.

See more photos of 52nd Independence anniversary here

“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.”

On power sector

On the power sector, the president said the commitment of his administration to an improved power supply is yielding results as “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.”

Petroleum sector

In the petroleum sector, the President said: “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, preferred destination for investment in Africa

“Nigeria has become the preferred destination for investment in Africa. It is ranked first in the top five 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.

“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.

On security challenge

On the security challenge in the country, Jonathan said his government had “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.”

We are succeeding in fight against corruption

On corruption, the president said 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.”

Assistance to flood victims

President Jonathan also re-assured victims of flood disaster across the country of Federal Government’s assistance, saying his administration was taking steps to address these incidents, in collaboration with the states and local governments

According to him, “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.

“We have received the interim report of the presidential team that was 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.”

He reiterated that he would lay before the National Assembly in the next few days 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,” he said.

Jonathan assures Nigerians of better days

Assuring Nigerians of better days, the president expressed optimism that the nation’s economy would continue to grow from strength to strength for the general progress of the people.

“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. 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.”

Urges Nigerians to remain steadfast

Jonathan urged Nigerians to remain steadfast as the nation was making progress in addressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

He said: “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.”

The president also assured that his administration would continue to strengthen the bond of unity that bound Nigerians together.

He saluted the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers who he said, brought joy and hope to the hearts of Nigerians when they won independence from Britain on Oct.1, 1960.

“Nigeria made a clean break with more than six decades of colonial rule, and emerged as a truly independent nation,” he added.

Why celebration was low-keyed—Abati

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said the 52nd independence anniversary ceremony was low-keyed because of government’s desire to save cost and adequately  prepare for the big event of 2014, when the nation would mark 100 years of existence from the amalgamation of 1914.

Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after President Jonathan consecrated a newly formed 176 Special Force battalion, to join the existing 177 and 7 battalions of the Presidential Guards Brigade, Abati said the insinuation that  the event was moved to the Villa for security reasons was not correct.

He said: “The anniversary is also low-keyed this year taking place within the precincts of the State House.

“President Jonathan has personally responded to the allegation that the event is being held within the State House by making it clear that in 2014, we will have a big event; the centenary of Nigeria’s celebration, since amalgamation.

“A few years ago, we had the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence and that was a big event. The President’s take on this is that between that 50 year anniversary and the centenary of Nigeria’s amalgamation, we should have low keyed celebration.

“Those who are looking for celebration on a grand scale should wait till 2014 when we will have the 100 years of Nigeria amalgamation.”

Inauguration of the Special Guards Brigade

The inauguration of the Special Guards Brigade, yesterday, as part of the independence annivesary ceremony by  Jonathan was done at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa.

The guards brigade is a special unit of the military specifically charged with the responsibility of the security of the president and the seat of power.

Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, told State House correspondents that the newly established 176 battalion was to strengthen the guards brigade and to make it more effective in response to security challenges in and around the FCT.

She said the ceremonial presentation of colours to the newly formed battalion was symbolic and could only be done by the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The independent celebration was marked with a ceremonial change of guards by the outgoing and incoming quarter and guard brigade.

There were also parades and military display by men of the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards, inspection of fitness and weapons, a symbolic colour-parade as well as band parade in different military tones and melodies.

The President was assisted by the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and heads of other para-military agencies to release the pigeons which signified the unfettered peace and harmony of the nation.

Present at the ceremony were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President, David Mark his deputy, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar led other Justices and heads of court to the event.

Also in attendance were, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, ministers, presidential aides, members of the diplomatic corps, Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, the business community, representatives religious leaders and traditional rulers.

Osun boycotts celebration

Osun State government, yesterday, failed to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence in the state.

Although no reason was given by the government for its failure to mark the anniversary, it was gathered that the decision may not be unconnected with the posture of the present administration in the state against Federal Government policies.

There was nothing on ground to mark the independence anniversary in all parts of the state and Osogbo, the state capital was devoid of activities to mark the celebration as it was the case in the past.

It was gathered that none of the civil society groups or even the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that used to mark the anniversary with public lecture held any programme to mark the anniversary for reason not revealed.

Many residents of the state stayed indoors throughout the day as a result of the public holiday declared by the Federal Government.

Protests in Ibadan

And in Oyo State, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan chapter; Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and several activists were among 3,000 people that protested in Ibadan, yesterday.

While ASUU members were led to the rally  by their Chairman, Dr. Segun Ajiboye, NLC was led by Comrade Bashir Olanrewaju. They were joined in the protest march by the National Socialist Movement and Senior Staff of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

All the associations staged the protest in conjunction with the Joint Action Front (JAF).

The rally attracted other Nigerians who supported the protesting unions that things were not done the right way by our leaders. The protest which also included civil society groups was coordinated by the state co-ordinator of JAF, Dr. Ademola Aremu.

As early as 8am, protesters converged on the University of Ibadan and marched towards Samonda, Sango, Elewure, Bodija, Housing Estate, Favours, and Bodija.

During the protest, placards with inscriptions such as ‘Nigeria at 52 still crawling like a toddler’, ‘Stop unemployment and Poverty now’, ‘We say no to fuel hike and privatisation’ and ‘No to Casualization’, ‘We need good governance’, were displayed.

While addressing the crowd at intervals, the JAF Co-ordinator,  Aremu accused the government of alleged insensitivity to  insecurity, infrastructural decay and unofficial hike in the fuel price.

He explained that artificial scarcity of petrol was unnecessary and uncalled for, adding: “We consider these manifestations as intrigues and game-plan by the Nigerian capitalists.”

He wondered why NNPC should abandon repair of vandalized pipelines just because of insecurity.

He said: “How can a government that has enough armed forces to unleash terror on peaceful demonstrators protesting the senseless hike in fuel price in January now lack enough armed forces to secure workers and pipeline?

Jonathan should show good example—Afenifere

In its reaction to the President’s speech, Afenifere, a socio political group, yesterday, challenged President Jonathan to show good leadership if he wanted Nigerians to join hands with him to build the country.

Secretary of the group, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa said this in Akure while reacting to the President’s 52nd anniversary broadcast.

Arogbofa said: “If the President wants Nigerians to support him in the quest of moving this country forward, he should first show good example. Nigerians are good followers. Once he shows good example, Nigerians will follow and support him.

“Our problem in this country is bad and famished leadership. We have been having the problem of good leadership. But if the President should lead with good example, I want to assure him that Nigerians will follow him in building the Nigeria of our dream.

“President Jonathan should first take the initiate if he wants Nigerians to support him.”

Mark urges Nigerians to emulate founding fathers

 Senate President David Mark, yesterday, urged Nigerians to reenact the indomitable spirit of the founding fathers who envisaged a united, peaceful and prosperous nation in 1960.

Mark made the appeal at a special church service to mark the 52nd Independence anniversary at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, adding that it would cause the nation to make progress.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Paul Mumeh, Mark said the country’s founding fathers craved a nation that would be economically and politically strong and a leading force in the continent.

“What went wrong along the line is akin to a deviation of the set goals because subsequent leaders did not toe the same path.

“It is time for Nigerians, both the leaders and the led to agree to reinvent the wheel and redirect our steps in the right path.”

NLC raises alarm over corruption

On its part, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has raised alarm that corruption in government and other high places has reached a disturbing height, warning that “no country will ever develop with economic criminals feasting on the commonwealth of the nation.”

NLC in a statement entitled “Nigeria at 52: We shall out-grow our challenges,” lamented that the prevailing political class and drivers of the nation’s socio-economic and political developments had failed.

The statement by NLC President and Acting General Secretary, Comrades Abdulwaheed Omar and Chris Uyot, declared that Nigerians were yet to see the promises of democracy since 1999 and, however, praised the resilience, commitment and perseverance of Nigerian workers and working families, who in the face of harsh economic policies, exacerbated by corruption, insecurity, and unprecedented impunity by the ruling class have continued to believe in the efficacy of the Nigerian project.

Let’s leave the past and forge ahead —Kumuyi

Also, the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Kumuyi, yesterday, called on Nigerians to put the past behind them and focus on making the nation the great nation that meets the dreams of all Nigerians.

Fielding questions from journalists at the end of a four-day programme in Abuja, entitled “Divine connection for freedom,” he expressed optimism that there was still hope for a better Nigeria if Nigerians of all walks of life put aside their differences aside and work as a people.

His words: “There is room for improvement, if an individual can do what he is expected to do, our nation also can do that.  This is where we are now and everybody knows that we are not happy the way we are, but we can stop and think about what we have not done right, and then there is a united focus and courage to move on and I believe that there is still a better future for Nigeria.

Time for National Renaissance —Makinde

The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Makinde, called for a National Renaissance as the nation celebrates her 52nd.

In his Independence Day goodwill message made available by the Church’s Media and Public Relations Officer, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, the Prelate said it was time for all hands to be on the deck to save the ship of state from sinking.

He said: ”While our Independence Day is a day to thank God and celebrate our freedom and the opportunity to be the captain of our own ship, it is equally a day of stock-taking, a time for us to look back and evaluate our successes and failures. It is equally that time when we look at what our forefathers, who used everything within them to fight and make our Independence possible, bequeathed to us and what we are bequeathing to our children’s children and the generations unborn.”

Makinde said though we had achieved a lot since our Independence 52 years ago, most especially our democracy which is gradually taking shape, but in his words “ there is still a lot of ground to cover considering where we are in the comity of nations, the deepening poverty level in the country, the seeming collapse of virtually all the sectors of our economy including manufacturing, power, oil and gas, road networks, education at all levels, our inability in achieving the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, heightening religious intolerance, lack of rights of citizenship in any state where you reside and many more.

What is most troubling is the amount of resources, human and material available to us to become a great Nation which our forefathers envisioned. Rather, we continue to dissipate these resources and waste our human resource as evident in the level of unemployment which is not only alarming but incomprehensible.”

“This is the time for us to have a rethink and recreate ourselves. We certainly cannot continue on this path. There must be a renaissance capable of transforming our economy and socio-political life. Our economy must be more growth-oriented, robust and market-driven targeted at creating jobs, empowering the middle class and providing infrastructural support for entrepreneurs and investors especially the much needed Foreign Direct Investments.

There must be deliberate policies that will transform the Agricultural Sector, a sector that has the capacity to generate huge employment numbers, turn us into a major exporting Nation and also aid economic growth. The Power Sector must function at optimum capacity because many businesses are obviously dependent on the availability of power, while the Oil and Gas Sector must be reorganised, restructured and         made more accountable.”

The Prelate said “It is salient however that those in elected offices provide the strong and focused Leadership required for this renaissance to take place. Nigerians have huge expectations, hopes and dreams, but our hopes are constantly being dashed which is why this present Leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan has a compelling reason to deliver considering the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerians. The situation today is not exciting considering the number of graduates who cannot get anything to do.

We demand results. The battle against corruption must be fought sincerely and must be won. There must be fiscal responsibility and responsible governance. Our passion and commitment must be renewed towards achieving equal opportunities, social justice, fairness and equity, constitutional democracy, and a shared prosperity. Happy Independence Day.”