The Challenge is Great; The Goal is Clear

Inaugural Address of Umaru Musa Yar’adua, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-In-Chief of The Armed Forces, May 29, 2007.

This is a historic day for our nation, for it marks an important milestone in our march towards a maturing democracy. For the first time since we cast off the shackles of colonialism almost a half-century ago, we have at last managed an orderly transition from one elected government to another.

We acknowledge that our elections had some shortcomings. Thankfully, we have well-established legal avenues of redress, and I urge anyone aggrieved to pursue them. I also believe that our experiences represent an opportunity to learn from our mistakes. Accordingly, I will set up a panel to examine the entire electoral process with a view to ensuring that we raise the quality and standard of our general elections, and thereby deepen our democracy.

This occasion is historic also because it marks another kind of transitional generational shift when the children of independence assume the adult responsibility of running the country at the heart of Africa.

{mosgoogle}My fellow citizens, I am humbled and honored that you have elected me and Vice President Jonathan to represent that generation in the task of building a just and humane nation, where its people have a fair chance to attain their fullest potential.
Luckily we are not starting from scratch. We are fortunate to have been led the past eight years by one of our nation’s greatest patriots, President Obasanjo. On behalf of all our people, I salute you, Mr. President, for your vision, your courage and your boundless energy in creating the roadmap toward that united and economically thriving Nigeria that we seek.

Many of us may find it hard to believe now, but before you assumed the presidency eight years ago, the national conversation was about whether Nigeria deserved to remain one country at all. Today we are talking about Nigeria’s potential, to become one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year2O2O. That isa measure of howfarwe have come. And we thank you.
The administration of President Obasanjo has laid the foundation upon which we can build our future prosperity. Over the past eight years Nigerians have reached a national consensus in at least four areas: to deepen democracy and the rule of law; build an economy driven primarily by the private sector, not government; display zero tolerance for corruption in all its forms, and, finally, restructure and staff our government to ensure efficiency and good governance. I commit myself to these tasks.
Our goal now is to build on the greatest accomplishments of the past few years. Relying on the 7-point agenda that formed the basis of our compact with voters during the recent campaigns, we will concentrate on rebuilding our physical infrastructure and human capital in order to take our country forward. We will focus on accelerating economic and other reforms in a way that makes a concrete and visible difference to ordinary people.

Our economy already has been set on the path of growth. Now we must continue to do the necessary work to create more jobs, lower interest rates, reduce inflation, and maintain a stable exchange rate. All this will increase our chances for rapid growth and development. Central to this is rebuilding our basic infrastructure. We already have comprehensive plans for mass transportation, especially railroad development. We will make these plans a reality.

Equally important, we must devote our best efforts to overcoming the energy challenge. Over the next four years we will see dramatic improvements in power generation, transmission and distribution. These plans will mean little if we do not respect the rule of law.

Our government is determined to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies, especially the police. The state must fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting life and property.

The crisis in the Niger Delta commands our urgent attention. Ending it is a matter of strategic importance to our country. I will use every resource available to me, with your help, to address this crisis in a spirit of fairness, justice, and cooperation.
We have a good starting point because our predecessor already launched a master plan that can serve as a basis for a comprehensive examination of all the issues. We will involve all stakeholders in working out a solution.

As part of this effort, we will move quickly to ensure security of life and property, and to make investments safe. In the meantime, I appeal to all aggrieved communities, groups and individuals to immediately suspend all violent activities, and respect the law. Let us allow the impending dialogue to take place in a conducive atmosphere. We are all in this together, and we will find a way to achieve peace and justice.

As we work to resolve the challenges of the Niger Delta, so must we also tackle poverty throughout the country. By fighting poverty, we fight disease. We will make advances in public health, to control the scourge of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases that hold back our population and limit our progress.

We are determined to intensify the war against corruption, more so because corruption is itself central to the spread of poverty. Its corrosive effect is all too visible in all aspects of our national life. This is an area where we have made significant progress in recent years, and we will maintain the momentum.

We also are committed to rebuilding our human capital, if we are to support a modern economy. We must revive education in order to create more equality, and citizens who can function more productively in today’s world.

To our larger African family, you have our commitment to the goal of African integration. We will continue to collaborate with fellow African states to reduce conflict and free our people from the leg chains of poverty. To all our friends in the international community, we pledge our continuing fidelity to the goals of progress in Africa and peace in the world.

Fellow citizens, I ask you all to march with me into the age of restoration. Let us work together to restore our time-honored values of honesty, decency, generosity, modesty, selflessness, transparency, and accountability. These fundamental values determine societies that succeed or fail. We must choose to succeed.

I will set a worthy personal example as your president.

No matter what obstacles confront us, I have confidence and faith in our ability to overcome them. After all, we are Nigerians! We are a resourceful and enterprising people, and we have it within us to make our country a better place. To that end I offer myself as a servant-leader. I will be a listener and doer, and serve with humility.

To fulfill our ambitions, all our leaders at all levels whether a local government councilor or state governor, senator or cabinet minister must change our style and our attitude. We must act at all times with humility, courage, and forthrightness. I ask you, fellow citizens, to join me in rebuilding our Nigerian family, one that defines the success of one by the happiness of many.

I ask you to set aside negative attitudes, and concentrate all our energies on getting to our common destination. All hands must be on deck.

Let us join together to ease the pains of today while working for the gains of tomorrow. Let us set aside cynicism and strive for the good society that we know is within our reach. Let us discard the habit of low expectations of ourselves as well as of our leaders.

Let us stop justifying every shortcoming with that unacceptable phrase 'the Nigerian Factor' as if to be a Nigerian is to settle for less. Let us recapture the mood of optimism that defined us at the dawn of independence, that legendary can-do spirit that marked our Nigerianess. Let us join together, now, to build a society worthy of our children. We have the talent. We have the intelligence. We have the ability.

The challenge is great. The goal is clear. The time is now.

Robot  Villager

# 1 var sbtitle5850=encodeURIComponent(The challen...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 29.05.2007 23:33

Omovudu  Villager

# 2 Again, good impression from the new president. The speech was very well written (and I hope very presented). It brings out the consistency of his priorities which should give comfort to those who worry whether he would prevaricate. He acknowledged the flaws of the election and has initiated processes to correct them. It is foolhardiness to expect the elections to be totally annulled and repeated (one cannot guarantee that the repeat would be better). Most importantly is his public pledge to lead by example, his commitment to true values - honesty, humility, integrity and the pursuit of common good. To adopt the philosophy that "success for one means the happiness of many" is instructive of the workings of his mind. The inaugural speech in general was very lucid and fitting for posterity (compared to the brash approach OBJ took in 1999). Speaks of the difference and culturing of the 2 personalities. It is also good to note that the new helmsman is proving to be his own man as he has ordered the IGP Ehindero on immediate retirement. He has also halted the sale of Egbim power plant to KEPCO. So what do the nay sayer have to say. Rather than continue to pull down from our individual and selfish corners, let us join hands with the new man in power to face the task of nation building for indeed "the challenge is great, the goal is clear and the time is now". Ogadinma Posted by Omovudu| 30.05.2007 01:03

EezeeBee  Villager

# 3 There is much to be said for an inaugural speech this short, sharp and stirring. Credit is due him/his speech writers for capturing the essential issues facing Nigeria and effectively addressing them on Day 1. Unfortunately, it is not only the President who has the means and mandate to govern Nigeria in the right direction; a series of governors, local government officials etc. also need to play their role, as indeed do we the 'mere' citizens. Our duty is to keep people on their p's and q's. With the clear direction and goals presented in that Inaugural address, I'm all for buckling down and getting on with the hands-on components of the work that needs be done. If this speech is a sign of things to come, I am hopeful. Posted by EezeeBee| 30.05.2007 01:04

Mikky jaga  Villager

# 4 I have never put any trust in inaugural addresses whether it is from the military or civilian rulers. They are just the figment of imaginations of their speech writers. Let someone do us a favour and publish this inaugural address after 100 days of this government, then we can see whether the hand is the hand of Esau, while the voice is that of Jacob or not. Posted by Mikky jaga| 30.05.2007 03:11

toshmann  Villager

# 5 nice rhetorics. we've heard it all before. but one line stands out in this great speech. . . . ."I will set a worthy personal example as your president. " this is something new. we've not heard this kind of rhetoric before. we are watching. Posted by toshmann| 30.05.2007 05:44

Karo Akarah  Villager

# 6 That was hot! I like it. But Mr President, do your governors, ministers, local govt chairmen and councillors share that ''hands on'' mentality? Or will there be a real and proper co-ordinated process to checkmate thier ''hands off'' chop-on- the- sly attitude. As concerned citizens of our great country Nigeria, we will be very happy if you can explain in layman terms your blueprint on how to create jobs for the teeming jobless youths of our great country. And i mean from one local LGA to another. Please sir,we are waiting. Posted by Karo Akarah| 30.05.2007 05:45

Brotherkeeper  Villager

# 7 "I was given the opportunity to serve and I did my best" President Obasanjo's response to the question "How would you like to be remembered as the President for the past 8 years", on Al Jazeera News network "These plans will mean little if we do not respect the rule of law" Inaugural address of President Umaru Musa Yar'adua, inserting his trojan horse with which to absolve him self after another wasted 8 years. How dare Mr president speak of Nigeria being 20th economic world power in the year 2020without mentioning the current ranking of Nigeria in the world league table. Mr president has no legitimacy but stolen mandate, he should take the honourable path of enabling inec to be scraped and replaced by a credible electoral system to be applied within 6 months to elect leaders chosen by the people. This is the foundation without which the house can not stand. God save Nigerians! Posted by Brotherkeeper| 30.05.2007 07:40

akuluouno  Villager

# 8 The devil as they say may yet be in the details. I think all the villagers who spoke earlier all spoke well. The first 100 days may yet set the tone of Yar Arduacracy before lethargy sets in and I have not seen him move with the speed that the challenges he has set out presents. Niger Delta, Niger Delta, Niger Delta Food, food, food, PowerEnergy, energy energy, education, education, education, good roads, good roads, good roads and health, health, health care delivery. Time limits should be set and measurable goals spelt. For instance 100 km of roads per annum, reduction in the price of mudu of garri from 100 naira to 80 naira before 2009, 2 hours of light per day before 2009, free panadol for all children below the age of 15 and elderly above 60 by the end of 2009 etc etc. The population figures can be used as a guide. These should be treated as securtiy threats to Nigeria and military precision might be needed to address them immediately. In 07, he can chooses just one item which if addressed systematically would lead to teh creation of jobs. I rest my case. :sad::neutral: Posted by akuluouno| 30.05.2007 08:56

jthelmsdeep  Villager

# 9 It is clear that, regardless of what side of the fence you stand on relative to the recently concluded elections, President Yar Adua is now the acknowledged and recognized President of the great nation of Nigeria. Whether we think he got to this position legitimately or by political jerrymandering, is now a moot point. Good citizenship dictates that we must now throw our collective weight behind our President and do all that is within our capacities to ensure that our Nation comes through this political transition, and indeed through the next four years with remarkable and enviable growth. I recognize that my opinion counts for little in the grand scheme of things, but I personally liked the tone and length of the inaugural address. It is, from every possible angle that you view it, a good thing that an educated man serves as President of a nation at this juncture of her existence, and that fact is succinctly expressed in his speech. In reviewing his speech I have only one phrase that I would have preferred to avoid if I was his speech writer. In his call to suspend the violence in the Niger Delta region he stated, "We are all in this together." For those of us that are old enough to remember, that phrase is too close to home with a statement made by Bukar Sukar Dimka in the failed coup attempt against Murtala Mohammed (a coup attempt which brought Obasanjo to power as the military Head of State), when he also stated that "We are all together". As if their gratuitous grab for power was sanctioned and desired by Nigerians. That's just my two cents. Nigeria we hail thee!!! Posted by jthelmsdeep| 30.05.2007 12:34

UncleTisha  Villager

# 10 =jthelmsdeep;179426>It is clear that, regardless of what side of the fence you stand on relative to the recently concluded elections, President Yar Adua is now the acknowledged and recognized President of the great nation of Nigeria. Whether we think he got to this position legitimately or by political jerrymandering, is now a moot point. Good citizenship dictates that we must now throw our collective weight behind our President and do all that is within our capacities to ensure that our Nation comes through this political transition, and indeed through the next four years with remarkable and enviable growth.... @jthelmsdeep, 46 and 3/4 Gbosas to you for your post above, particularly for the bolded part. May your lights never fade. For so long the NigeriaVillageSquare has been turned to the NigeriansWailingSquare. Now is the time to recognise that it is a brand new day. The country has moved on. So should We. Posted by UncleTisha| 30.05.2007 13:21

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