President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday reassured that Nigeria would soon overcome its challenges, saying that Nigerians must not lose sight of those values that strengthen them as a people.
Jonathan gave the reassurance in a nationwide broadcast in Abuja on Tuesday to mark the 2012 National Democracy Day.
He vowed to continue to work hard in pursuit of the common good for the general progress of the country.
“There are challenges, yes, but we are working hard to address those challenges. And by God’s grace, we will succeed. My confidence is bolstered by the results which we have achieved in different sectors within the last twelve months.
“Our democracy is stable. Its foundation is strong and firm. Its future is bright. Last year, I had spoken about the policy of? one man one vote one woman, one vote, one youth, one vote.’’
“I am glad to see that the Nigerian people in all elections have continued to respect the principle of fair play.?
“Since this administration came into office, we have gone to great lengths to strengthen our democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“There are still persons who believe that elections should be violent and unhealthy but they are in the minority. They will not derail our democracy because the majority of Nigerians will not allow them to do so.’’
He further assured that Federal Government would implement the recommendations of the committee set up on post-election violence and government would be guided by the White Paper on that committee’s report.
The report would help in dealing more firmly with electoral violence and fraud.
He said that this would include the establishment of Electoral Offences Tribunals to deal speedily with established cases of electoral violence.
“We cannot afford to treat the success we have recorded with our democratic experience with levity. Electoral reform is central to our administration’s transformation agenda.’’
The President, therefore, urged all political parties to embrace this reform.
He noted that last year’s successful elections had opened new vistas for Nigeria’s foreign policy.
He said that the nation’s foreign policy process had proven to be dynamic and proactive.
“More than ever before, Nigeria’s achievements have generated a lot of international goodwill and recognition.
“We have continued to build on this by further showing leadership in the sub-region and the African continent.
“Under my watch as Chairman of the sub-regional body ECOWAS, Nigeria was in the forefront of the efforts to ensure democratic stability in Niger, Mali, Guinea Bissau and particularly in Cote d’Ivoire.”
?According to him, government will continue to open up opportunities for foreign investments in the Nigerian economy and to provide necessary support for the vibrant community of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Jonathan maintained that his administration would continue to work hard to turn domestic successes into a source of motivation for greater achievements in the international arena.
“We are fully aware that it is only when our people are happy and confident that they will be in a good position to walk tall in relating with others,” he added. (NAN)