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Fellow Nigerians,
As
we all know, our dear President, His
Excellency, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has
been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia
for some time now. Naturally, his
absence from the country has generated
considerable interest and a heated
national debate.
Today, the National Assembly passed a
resolution mandating me to act as
President, Commander-in-Chief of the
Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. In following the extant
provisions of the 1999 constitution to
arrive at this decision, the leadership
and members of the National Assembly
have shown great courage, statesmanship
and patriotism. I salute them all.
In
the same vein, I will like to commend
all the other political actors and
national leaders, particularly the
former Heads of State, Elder Statesmen,
Governors of the 36 States and other
leaders of political groups, civil
society organizations, the media, and
indeed all Nigerians, for their
invaluable contributions and counsel.
Our security services also deserve our
special commendation for their loyalty
and devotion to duty during this trying
period.
The
circumstances in which I find myself
assuming office today as Acting
President of our country are uncommon,
sober and reflective. More than ever
therefore, I urge all Nigerians as a
people of faith in God, to pray
fervently for the full recovery of our
dear President and his early return.
The
events of the recent past have put to
the test, our collective resolve as a
democratic nation. I am delighted to
note that our nation has demonstrated
resilience and unity of purpose. Today
affords us time to reconnect with
ourselves and overcome any suspicions,
hurts and doubts, which had occurred.
In
all these, there are no winners and no
losers, because by the Grace of God we
have once again succeeded in moving our
country forward. We have all shown that
our unity as a people, our love for this
country, and our hope for its great
future cannot be shaken.
It
is now time for us to move on in a more
determined manner to tackle the various
challenges which we face as a nation.
Our march towards Vision 20-2020 is
irreversible.
Therefore, we see a need to prioritise
on a few of the most critical areas
which continue to plague our effort at
engendering meaningful economic growth
and development. Some of these critical
sectors include power, infrastructure,
security, generation of employment and
business opportunities for our teeming
young men and women.
Fellow Nigerians, the Federal Government
will take every step necessary to
consolidate the gains of Amnesty in the
Niger Delta and execute the post-Amnesty
programme. I therefore appeal to all
concerned to be patient, as there can be
no meaningful development without peace
and security.
As
regards the Jos crisis, government will
endeavour to sustain the peace and find
a lasting solution to the recurring
crisis in Plateau State . In the
meantime, culprits of the heinous crimes
committed in the recent incident will
face the full weight of the law. I want
to restate that government will not
tolerate the culture of impunity that is
fast becoming an unwelcome part of our
socio-political life.
Our
commitment to ensuring the security of
lives and property in all parts of the
country will also be pursued with
renewed zeal. The Nigeria Police and
other security services would be given
new impetus to perform their duties,
even while respecting the human rights
of Nigerians.
They are fully expected to produce
corresponding results. There shall be no
excuses for failure. Nigerians deserve
to be fully protected at all times
nationwide.
Fellow Nigerians, one of the cardinal
commitments of this administration is
our commitment to Good Governance,
Accountability and Transparency.
We
shall continue to pursue these policy
objectives with all the seriousness they
deserve. In particular, the war against
corruption will be prosecuted more
robustly. We will therefore strengthen
the capacity of the anti-corruption
agencies and give them a free hand to
prosecute the anti corruption war.
Let
me once again commend the people of
Anambra State , for the successful
conduct of the recent gubernatorial
election. This has shown that Nigerians
can conduct free, fair and credible
elections.
The
Anambra Election has however exposed
some weaknesses in our electoral system,
and government is determined to plug
these loop holes as we approach the next
General Elections in 2011. I want to
reassure all Nigerians and our friends
around the world, that our determination
to ensure that the sanctity of the
electoral rights of our people shall not
be compromised.
Let
me on behalf of the Nigerian people
appreciate the international community
for their goodwill and understanding in
our efforts at national development and
consolidation of our democracy. Nigeria
will continue to play a deserving role
in regional and global affairs.
On
a personal note, I am deeply humbled and
honoured by this great call to duty. I
am fully aware of the responsibilities
reposed in me, and I want to reassure
all Nigerians that this is a sacred
trust, which I shall discharge to my
fullest abilities.
Thank you and may God bless the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
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