Jonathan, who spoke to State House correspondents through his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the 52nd independent anniversary like that of last year was low-key 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.
Spurning insinuation from certain quarters that the event was moved to the villa for security reasons, he said, “The anniversary is also low-keyed this year, taking place within the precinct 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 50th 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,” the presidential spokesman added.
Earlier in the morning, President Jonathan said in a nationwide broadcast aired on national television and radio stations that Nigerians had cause to celebrate the unfailing optimism and national identity as the nation marked its 52nd independence anniversary.
“We also celebrate the unfailing optimism and resilience of Nigerians who remain proud of our national identity,” the president said, adding that the lowering of the Union Jack and the emergence of the Green-White-Green flag in 1960 was not just a ceremony about the destiny of a nation, but the future of a people.
Noting that the future was already here and that the present generation were the inheritors of a great legacy that goes even much farther into the past, Jonathan observed that the country had since weathered the storm of the civil war and refused to be broken by sectarian crises.
“We have remained a strong nation. 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,” he stated.
Lamenting that the country had been witnessing serious security challenges in parts of the country and that the government has taken pro-active measures to check the menace, the president said: “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.”
Such measures, he said, included constant consultation and collaboration with the nation’s 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.
Jonathan assured that the security agencies were constantly being strengthened and repositioned for greater efficiency, noting that there has been a significant decline in the spate of security breaches.
On corruption, he said: “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.”
He further assured that he would continue to maintain his non-interference in the work of the relevant agencies that are fighting corruption and related matters, adding that, to succeed, the government required the full cooperation of all tiers of government and the public, especially civil society and the media.
...Creates special squad on terrorism
Meanwhile, the president has inaugurated a 176 Special Forces Battalion to boost security and respond to challenges of terrorism in the country. The new battalion is to complement the existing 177 and 7 battalions of the presidential Guards Brigade.
The ceremony was part of the activities marking the 52nd independence anniversary which was held at the presidential villa in Abuja yesterday.
Performed by 10 officers and 150 soldiers of the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the parade also included the presentation of national and regimental colours to the newly-established 176 Special Forces Battalion of the Guards Brigade.
The new battalion was established following security challenges in the country posed by the Boko Haram insurgence. The Special Forces unit will primarily be charged with the security of the nation’s capital and contiguous states. It joins the conventional 7 and 177 battalions of the Brigade.
The president, who was the special guest of honour at the parade, was regaled in Nigerian Army uniform with the rank of field marshal.
Before presenting the national and regimental colours to the new battalion, the president witnessed the presidential change of guards parade which involved foot and arms drill, rhythmic and calculated checking of weapons and uniforms, posting sentries and colour parade.
After the presentation of colours and change of guards, President Jonathan signed the anniversary register before proceeding in the company of Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate president David Mark, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, and former head of state Gen. Yakubu Gowon to release the pigeons signalling peace and then cut the anniversary cake.
Explaining the change of guard brigade further, minister of state for defence Erelu Olusola Obada said the newly established 176 battalion was to strengthen the guard brigade and to make it more effective in response to security challenges in and around the FCT.
The minister added that 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.
SOURCE: 2 October 2012.
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