[size=14pt]Goodluck Jonathan's Declaration Speech - Full Text[/size]
18 September 2010 14:42 

Forty months ago my predecessor in office and I embarked on a joint ticket in the governance of our great country, Nigeria. Sadly, he passed away on the 5th of May 2010.

MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE, AMEN.

With the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the mantle of leadership of our great nation fell on me. However, the days leading to my presidency were very trying times for our nation. We confronted those moments and their challenges to national security with patriotism and care. I appreciate the role played by the National Assembly, Governors, Civil Society groups, the mass media, and other patriotic Nigerians.

The late President Yar'Adua and I shared great dreams for our country. We toiled together to realize those dreams in order to justify the confidence Nigerians reposed in us. Together we swore to execute a joint mandate and today I come before you to make a pronouncement based on that undertaking.

The past four months that I have served as President of Nigeria have opened my eyes to the vast potentials of this office as a potent instrument for the transformation of our country. I discovered that by sheer willpower, I could end the long queues and price fluctuations in our petrol stations. Today, all our refineries are working, saving us huge amounts of funds spent on importation of petroleum products.


I discovered that by insisting that the right things be done, we could begin a turnaround in our power sector by involving the private sector in power generation and distribution. As you can see from the lower quantities of diesel that you are buying today, power generation has significantly improved.

I have put in place new gas policies and very soon, we will be saying goodbye to gas flaring in our oil fields. Working with the National Assembly, we rolled out a law that requires companies operating in the oil and gas sectors of our economy to utilize an appreciable percentage of their goods and services from local sources. We saw to it that normalcy began to return to the Niger Delta by ensuring government's fidelity to its promises, and this has helped to stabilize our national revenue.

In the last few months, I embarked on monumental projects in our road infrastructure to end the carnage on our federal highways. I began several projects to make our water resources available for drinking and farming. I targeted our educational system to return quality and competitiveness to them. I re-addressed our drive for self sufficiency in food production. I have taken bold steps to confront our security situation. In this regard, we are pursuing the revision of our laws to be more responsive to international conventions and more punitive to criminals.

I set the stage for free and fair elections by constituting an electoral commission comprising of Nigerians with impeccable credentials for firmness and incorruptibility. I charged our anti corruption agencies to speed up the war against corruption, and respect no sacred cows in the process. In the management of the economy, I advocated a more transparent banking industry, price stability, low inflation, and aggregate increase in productivity as a way to drive us to a more prosperous economy. In International Relations, I advanced the respectability accorded our country by effective engagement in global fora.

From the moment I was sworn in as President, I came under intense pressure to make a declaration concerning my political future, but declined to do so because it would have immediately distracted us from all the development initiatives we have accomplished so far.

As President and leader of this government, I decided not to place partisan politics above the immediate needs and priorities of our people. I therefore told Nigerians to give me time to concentrate on my work, and that at the appropriate time, I would make a public statement on my political future after widespread consultations.

Those consultations have now been concluded. The Independent National Electoral Commission has recently announced a time table for the 2011 general elections in the country. My party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has also published a timetable for its primaries.

In the circumstances and after a thorough self examination and prayers with my family, I, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan have decided to humbly offer myself as a candidate in the Presidential Primaries of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in order to stand for the 2011 Presidential elections. I pledge once again to all the people of this nation that they will have a free and fair election, even as I stand to be a candidate. In this race, I have the honour to have as my running mate, Architect Namadi Sambo, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Our country is at the threshold of a new era; an era that beckons for a new kind of leadership; a leadership that is uncontaminated by the prejudices of the past; a leadership committed to change; a leadership that reinvents government, to solve the everyday problems that confront the average Nigerian.

I was not born rich, and in my youth, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but not once did I ever give up. Not once did I imagine that a child from Otuoke, a small village in the Niger Delta, will one day rise to the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was raised by my mother and father with just enough money to meet our daily needs.

In my early days in school, I had no shoes, no school bags. I carried my books in my hands but never despaired; no car to take me to school but I never despaired. There were days I had only one meal but I never despaired. I walked miles and crossed rivers to school every day but I never despaired. Didn't have power, didn't have generators, studied with lanterns but I never despaired.

In spite of these, I finished secondary school, attended the University of Port Harcourt, and now hold a doctorate degree.

Fellow Nigerians, if I could make it, you too can make it!

My story is the story of a young Nigerian whose access to education opened up vast opportunities that enabled me to attain my present position. As I travel up and down our country, I see a nation blessed by God with rich agricultural and mineral resources and an enterprising people. I see millions of Nigerians whose potentials for greatness are constrained by the lack of basic infrastructure.

I see Nigerians who can make a difference in the service of their country but are disadvantaged by the lack of opportunities.

My story symbolizes my dream for Nigeria. The dream that any Nigerian child from Kaura- Namoda to Duke town; from Potiskum to Nsukka, from Isale-Eko to Gboko will be able to realize his God-given potentials, unhindered by tribe or religion and unrestricted by improvised political inhibitions. My story holds out the promise of a new Nigeria. A Nigeria built on the virtues of love and respect for one another, on unity, on industry, on hardwork and on good governance.

My fellow Nigerians, this is what has brought me to Eagle Square today. I have come to say to all of you, that Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is the man you need to put Nigeria right. I have come to launch a campaign of ideas, not one of calumny. I have come to preach love, not hate. I have come to break you away from divisive tendencies of the past which have slowed our drive to true nationhood. I have no enemies to fight. You are all my friends and we share a common destiny.

Let the word go out from this Eagle Square that Jonathan as President in 2011 will herald a new era of transformation of our country; an era that will end the agony of power shortage in our country. Let the word go out from here that I will be for the students, teachers and parents of Nigeria, a President who will advance quality and competitive education. Let everyone in this country hear that I shall strive to the best of my ability to attain self sufficiency in food production.

Let the word go out that my plans for a Sovereign Wealth Fund with an initial capital of $1billion will begin the journey for an economic restoration. This restoration will provide new job opportunities and alleviate poverty. Let the word go out that our health sector will receive maximum priority in a new Jonathan administration, a priority that will ensure maximum health care and stop our brain drain.

Let all the kidnappers, criminal elements, and miscreants that give us a bad name be ready for the fight that I shall give them. Let the ordinary Nigerian be assured that President Jonathan will have zero tolerance for corruption. Let the international community hear that today I have offered myself to lead a country that will engage them in mutual respect and cooperation for the achievement of international peace and understanding.

To help me in these tasks effectively, I will re-train, revamp, and motivate the civil service.

My dear good people of Nigeria, I got here today by the power of God and the support of all Nigerians; all ethnic groups, North, South, East and West. I am here today because of your support and prayers. I want all of you to know that I am one of you and I will never let you down! I want you to know that I will keep hope alive; I want you to know that your time has come.

I stand before you today, humbly seeking your support for me, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, to run for the office of the President of Nigeria with Architect Namadi Sambo as my running mate.

We will fight for JUSTICE!

We will fight for all Nigerians to have access to POWER!

We will fight for qualitative and competitive EDUCATION!

We will fight for HEALTH CARE REFORMS!

We will fight to create jobs, for all Nigerians!

We will fight corruption!

We will fight to protect all Citizens!

We will fight for your rights!

My dear country men and women, give me your support, give me your votes and together we will fight to build a great nation of our dreams!

I cannot end this speech without thanking you all for attending this occasion. Your huge attendance is a loud testimony of your support for us. For this I am very grateful. I pray that the Almighty God abides with you and sees you safely back to your respective destinations.

When you return, tell all those at home that as we celebrate our fifty years anniversary as a nation, Goodluck has come to transform Nigeria and I will never let you down.

Thank You.

May God Bless you all!

And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!

- GOODLUCK EBELE AZIKIWE JONATHAN, GCFR.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/09/100003/

Just beautiful!
Delivered without any reference to notes or a teleprompter. We have a very intelligent man at Aso Rock.

Reading the sppech aloud brings tears to my eyes.

Quote;
I discovered that by insisting that the right things be done, we could begin a turnaround in our power sector by involving the private sector in power generation and distribution. As you can see from the lower quantities of diesel that you are buying today, power generation has significantly improved.


That statement is deep, as a president the most important thing to do is insist that the right things be done.
Yaradua always insisted but was not always around but now Jonathan insists and is around to ensure that it is done.

Remember how Yaradua said if the law is wrong or bad we still have to go thru the due process of changing the law, but while we go about changing the law we must abide by it.

Yaradua also said that the security agencies and anticorruption agencies are supposed to protect the majority law abiding citizens from the minority lawless citizens, but in Nigeria we seem to have a reverse where majority of Nigerians are in one way or the other in breach of the law.

Goodlucks speech is a revolutionary piece, it takes the fight home, notice how he did not tell us about his place producing oil for the benefit of the nation, see respect for his former boss, respect for his opponents, no wild promises of 24hrs power supply before december 2011, but a loud proclamation that together we shall all fight for justice.

Good speech, I must admit.

if only he mean what he says and says what he means.

Beaf:

Just beautiful!
Delivered without any reference to notes or a teleprompter. We have a very intelligent man at Aso Rock.

Link to this powerful speech please.

I have said it before that one of the most important qualities this man has to improve Nigeria's lot is not his education, which he certainly has (and is quite important) or bravado - you may even say he is laid back.

The most important quality he has is that his lifestory closer is to that of the common man on the street. This WOULD ENABLE HIM TO FEEL their pains. He can talk in "diesel in your generator" terms, unlike some high falluting nonsense that comes out of IBB's mouth everytime he opens it.

As for the rest of the potential candidates so far many of them have a good heart, but their lifestory is generally priviledged. Although, these guys may have good intentions and heart like GEJ - it is always hard to understand where the shoe pinches unless you wear the same shoe.

Still, anyone that contests for Nigeria's presidency from here on must be prepared to be held ACCOUNTABLE - that is the bottom-line.

We already know those who CANNOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE (and I am talking about IBB). Those must not even smell the driveway of Aso Rock.

marvix:

Reading the sppech aloud brings tears to my eyes.

Quote;
I discovered that by insisting that the right things be done, we could begin a turnaround in our power sector by involving the private sector in power generation and distribution. As you can see from the lower quantities of diesel that you are buying today, power generation has significantly improved.


That statement is deep, as a president the most important thing to do is insist that the right things be done.
Yaradua always insisted but was not always around but now Jonathan insists and is around to ensure that it is done.

Remember how Yaradua said if the law is wrong or bad we still have to go thru the due process of changing the law, but while we go about changing the law we must abide by it.

Yaradua also said that the security agencies and anticorruption agencies are supposed to protect the majority law abiding citizens from the minority lawless citizens, but in Nigeria we seem to have a reverse where majority of Nigerians are in one way or the other in breach of the law.

Goodlucks speech is a revolutionary piece, it takes the fight home, notice how he did not tell us about his place producing oil for the benefit of the nation, see respect for his former boss, respect for his opponents, no wild promises of 24hrs power supply before december 2011, but a loud proclamation that together we shall all fight for justice.

Great speech i must say.

This is a good speech. Good we are beginning to have intelligent leaders who can deliver nice speeches. This reminds me of Obama's acceptance speech he delivered during the Democrats convention. This GEJ speech is emotional and powerful!

abadaba:

Link to this powerful speech please.

There is no link I know of.
You would have to wait for websites that have transcribed the speech.

koruji:

I have said it before that one of the most important qualities this man has to improve Nigeria's lot is not his education, which he certainly has (and is quite important) or bravado - you may even say he is laid back.

The most important quality he has is that his lifestory closer is to that of the common man on the street. This WOULD ENABLE HIM TO FEEL their pains. He can talk in "diesel in your generator" terms, unlike some high falluting nonsense that comes out of IBB's mouth everytime he opens it.

As for the rest of the potential candidates so far many of them have a good heart, but their lifestory is generally priviledged. Although, these guys may have good intentions and heart like GEJ - it is always hard to understand where the shoe pinches unless you wear the same shoe.

Still, anyone that contests for Nigeria's presidency from here on must be prepared to be held ACCOUNTABLE - that is the bottom-line.

We already know those who CANNOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE (and I am talking about IBB). Those must not even smell the driveway of Aso Rock.

Obasanjo saw more hardship growing up than GEJ. What did Nigerians get when he got into power? There is a veil in that office and it erodes all manner of experience that would have ordinarily put the leader in touch with the common people.

OAM4J:

Good speech, I must admit.

if only he mean what he says and says what he means.

He means every word. This is a man who wanted nothing at all to do with politics, yet finds himself against all odds, standing on Nigeria's topmost podium.

Several delegations were sent to beg him to come into politics, he refused repeatedly, preferring to stick to his field work as an academician. I believe it took four delegations from the high and mighty to get him involved, and since then, his rise has been meteoric; nothing short of miraculous.

janus05:

Obasanjo saw more hardship growing up than GEJ. What did Nigerians get when he got into power? There is a veil in that office and it erodes all manner of experience that would have ordinarily put the leader in touch with the common people.

Yes, that very veil is about to erode IBB and all he represents. That same veil that eroded Dele Giwa, Vatsa, June 12, MKO Abiola and created thousands of widows and orphans, that veil is calling IBB.

Lies Lies Lies -  In all the this time in office what has he achieved  - abeg seen this one before  - another wasted generation.

Comparing Goodluck to Obama is a lack of understanding or appreciation of what makes Obama special.

Obama in his speeches makes very intellectual arguments rich in History, logic and common sense. His mastery of tenses and diction is also second to none. So please let us judge Goodluck by his standards. Don't compare him to Obama because his level no reach at all!!!!!!!!!

Goodluck did not even provide a single argument for why anything should be done. For over two years now there has been a debate about whether we should have Sovereign Wealth Fund or Excess Crude Account. Now Goodluck Jonathan has finally developed balls to back the idea. In his speech he promised to set aside N1b for the creation of Sovereign Wealth Fund but failed to say why he has come to that conclusion or what informs that decision and folks are going, what a speech and comparing him to Obama.

What if the NASS decides to oppose the Sovereign wealth fund. What if Governors are able to mobilise support in NASS to kick against it? Is it not by providing a superior argument to the Nigerian people that you can somehow win the moral argument and get the NASS to do the right thing?

Let GEJ enjoy his moment, in the next coming days we will take this speech apart and take it to the cleaners.

I AM SIMPLY NOT IMPRESSED.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

^
Copy and paste from thread to thread!
Show us your IBB's speech if you are proud of it.

[size=21pt]Goodluck Nigeria! Sambo Nigeria! Carry go!![/size]

mikeansy:

Comparing Goodluck to Obama is a lack of understanding or appreciation of what makes Obama special.

Obama in his speeches makes very intellectual arguments rich in History, logic and common sense. His mastery of tenses and diction is also second to none. So please let us judge Goodluck by his standards. Don't compare him to Obama because his level no reach at all!!!!!!!!!

Goodluck did not even provide a single argument for why anything should be done. For over two years now there has been a debate about whether we should have Sovereign Wealth Fund or Excess Crude Account. Now Goodluck Jonathan has finally developed balls to back the idea. In his speech he promised to set aside N1b for the creation of Sovereign Wealth Fund but failed to say why he has come to that conclusion or what informs that decision and folks are going, what a speech and comparing him to Obama.

What if the NASS decides to oppose the Sovereign wealth fund. What if Governors are able to mobilise support in NASS to kick against it? Is it not by providing a superior argument to the Nigerian people that you can somehow win the moral argument and get the NASS to do the right thing?

Let GEJ enjoy his moment, in the next coming days we will take this speech apart and take it to the cleaners.

I AM SIMPLY NOT IMPRESSED.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So you want him to get to that level of detail, wey people dey stand under sun?
Dont worry, meet us at the presidential debate with your questions. We promise to answer all.

janus05:

Obasanjo saw more hardship growing up than GEJ. What did Nigerians get when he got into power? There is a veil in that office and it erodes all manner of experience that would have ordinarily put the leader in touch with the common people.

There is no veil in that office - the real veil are people who begin to see their rulers as gods, rather than employees, albeit a high level employee, but still an employee. Let me repeat my last statement: Any president of Nigeria must be prepared to be held ACCOUNTABLE from here on - and that means if we know someone cannot be held accountable once in a position of power, they must be shoved out the door right now.

Besides, don't compare OBJ to Jonathan, not that I want to devalue OBJ or anything, but you are comparing apples to oranges - while OBJ might have grown up as a poor lad, he soon transformed his life into a priviledged one by joining the Nigerian military, which has held the heart of the nation in its hands over the years - including our resources.

Still, OBJ remains the best we have had so far, despite his admittedly self-distructive third-term agenda. Go and look at the two periods in Nigerian history when things calmed down and hope came alive, and you will find that somehow OBJ was in command. Before you go all gaga on me the overall grade for Nigeria's rulership since 1966 is a definite FAIL, including OBJs periods. In another place and time we would be a country 20 times better than we are now - we should be at least the equivalent of South Korea today!

We cannot redo history, but we must make the best choices from now on - even though those choices may not include the best of the potential options, they remain our options for now

koruji:

There is no veil in that office - the real veil are people who begin to see their rulers as gods, rather than employees, albeit a high level employee, but still an employee. Let me repeat my last statement: Any president of Nigeria must be prepared to be held ACCOUNTABLE from here on - and that means if we know someone cannot be held accountable once in a position of power, they must be shoved out the door right now.

Besides, don't compare OBJ to Jonathan, not that I want to devalue OBJ or anything, but you are comparing apples to oranges - while OBJ might have grown up as a poor lad, he soon transformed his life into a priviledged one by joining the Nigerian military, which has held the heart of the nation in its hands over the years - including our resources.

Still, OBJ remains the best we have had so far, despite his admittedly self-distructive third-term agenda. Go and look at the two periods in Nigerian history when things calmed down and hope came alive, and you will find that somehow OBJ was in command. Before you go all gaga on me the overall grade for Nigeria's rulership since 1966 is a definite FAIL, including OBJs periods. In another place and time we would be a country 20 times better than we are now - we should be at least the equivalent of South Korea today!

We cannot redo history, but we must make the best choices from now on - even though those choices may not include the best of the potential options, they remain our options for now

You are making sense. Wella

Forty months ago my predecessor in office and I embarked on a joint ticket in the governance of our great country, Nigeria. Sadly, he passed away on the 5th of May 2010.

MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE, AMEN.

With the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the mantle of leadership of our great nation fell on me. However, the days leading to my presidency were very trying times for our nation. We confronted those moments and their challenges to national security with patriotism and care. I appreciate the role played by the National Assembly, Governors, Civil Society groups, the mass media, and other patriotic Nigerians.

The late President Yar'Adua and I shared great dreams for our country. We toiled together to realize those dreams in order to justify the confidence Nigerians reposed in us. Together we swore to execute a joint mandate and today I come before you to make a pronouncement based on that undertaking.

The past four months that I have served as President of Nigeria have opened my eyes to the vast potentials of this office as a potent instrument for the transformation of our country. I discovered that by sheer willpower, I could end the long queues and price fluctuations in our petrol stations. Today, all our refineries are working, saving us huge amounts of funds spent on importation of petroleum products.


I discovered that by insisting that the right things be done, we could begin a turnaround in our power sector by involving the private sector in power generation and distribution. As you can see from the lower quantities of diesel that you are buying today, power generation has significantly improved.

I have put in place new gas policies and very soon, we will be saying goodbye to gas flaring in our oil fields. Working with the National Assembly, we rolled out a law that requires companies operating in the oil and gas sectors of our economy to utilize an appreciable percentage of their goods and services from local sources. We saw to it that normalcy began to return to the Niger Delta by ensuring government's fidelity to its promises, and this has helped to stabilize our national revenue.

[b]In the last few months, I embarked on monumental projects in our road infrastructure to end the carnage on our federal highways. I began several projects to make our water resources available for drinking and farming. I targeted our educational system to return quality and competitiveness to them. I re-addressed our drive for self sufficiency in food production. I have taken bold steps to confront our security situation. In this regard, we are pursuing the revision of our laws to be more responsive to international conventions and more punitive to criminals.

I set the stage for free and fair elections by constituting an electoral commission comprising of Nigerians with impeccable credentials for firmness and incorruptibility. I charged our anti corruption agencies to speed up the war against corruption, and respect no sacred cows in the process. In the management of the economy, I advocated a more transparent banking industry, price stability, low inflation, and aggregate increase in productivity as a way to drive us to a more prosperous economy. In International Relations, I advanced the respectability accorded our country by effective engagement in global fora.[/b]

From the moment I was sworn in as President, I came under intense pressure to make a declaration concerning my political future, but declined to do so because it would have immediately distracted us from all the development initiatives we have accomplished so far.

As President and leader of this government, I decided not to place partisan politics above the immediate needs and priorities of our people. I therefore told Nigerians to give me time to concentrate on my work, and that at the appropriate time, I would make a public statement on my political future after widespread consultations.

Those consultations have now been concluded. The Independent National Electoral Commission has recently announced a time table for the 2011 general elections in the country. My party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has also published a timetable for its primaries.

In the circumstances and after a thorough self examination and prayers with my family, I, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan have decided to humbly offer myself as a candidate in the Presidential Primaries of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in order to stand for the 2011 Presidential elections. I pledge once again to all the people of this nation that they will have a free and fair election, even as I stand to be a candidate. In this race, I have the honour to have as my running mate, Architect Namadi Sambo, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Our country is at the threshold of a new era; an era that beckons for a new kind of leadership; a leadership that is uncontaminated by the prejudices of the past; a leadership committed to change; a leadership that reinvents government, to solve the everyday problems that confront the average Nigerian.

I was not born rich, and in my youth, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but not once did I ever give up. Not once did I imagine that a child from Otuoke, a small village in the Niger Delta, will one day rise to the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was raised by my mother and father with just enough money to meet our daily needs.

In my early days in school, I had no shoes, no school bags. I carried my books in my hands but never despaired; no car to take me to school but I never despaired. There were days I had only one meal but I never despaired. I walked miles and crossed rivers to school every day but I never despaired. Didn't have power, didn't have generators, studied with lanterns but I never despaired.

In spite of these, I finished secondary school, attended the University of Port Harcourt, and now hold a doctorate degree.

Fellow Nigerians, if I could make it, you too can make it!

My story is the story of a young Nigerian whose access to education opened up vast opportunities that enabled me to attain my present position. As I travel up and down our country, I see a nation blessed by God with rich agricultural and mineral resources and an enterprising people. I see millions of Nigerians whose potentials for greatness are constrained by the lack of basic infrastructure.

I see Nigerians who can make a difference in the service of their country but are disadvantaged by the lack of opportunities.

My story symbolizes my dream for Nigeria. The dream that any Nigerian child from Kaura- Namoda to Duke town; from Potiskum to Nsukka, from Isale-Eko to Gboko will be able to realize his God-given potentials, unhindered by tribe or religion and unrestricted by improvised political inhibitions. My story holds out the promise of a new Nigeria. A Nigeria built on the virtues of love and respect for one another, on unity, on industry, on hardwork and on good governance.

My fellow Nigerians, this is what has brought me to Eagle Square today. I have come to say to all of you, that Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is the man you need to put Nigeria right. I have come to launch a campaign of ideas, not one of calumny. I have come to preach love, not hate. I have come to break you away from divisive tendencies of the past which have slowed our drive to true nationhood. I have no enemies to fight. You are all my friends and we share a common destiny.

Let the word go out from this Eagle Square that Jonathan as President in 2011 will herald a new era of transformation of our country; an era that will end the agony of power shortage in our country. Let the word go out from here that I will be for the students, teachers and parents of Nigeria, a President who will advance quality and competitive education. Let everyone in this country hear that I shall strive to the best of my ability to attain self sufficiency in food production.

Let the word go out that my plans for a Sovereign Wealth Fund with an initial capital of $1billion will begin the journey for an economic restoration. This restoration will provide new job opportunities and alleviate poverty. Let the word go out that our health sector will receive maximum priority in a new Jonathan administration, a priority that will ensure maximum health care and stop our brain drain.

Let all the kidnappers, criminal elements, and miscreants that give us a bad name be ready for the fight that I shall give them. Let the ordinary Nigerian be assured that President Jonathan will have zero tolerance for corruption. Let the international community hear that today I have offered myself to lead a country that will engage them in mutual respect and cooperation for the achievement of international peace and understanding.

To help me in these tasks effectively, I will re-train, revamp, and motivate the civil service.

My dear good people of Nigeria, I got here today by the power of God and the support of all Nigerians; all ethnic groups, North, South, East and West. I am here today because of your support and prayers. I want all of you to know that I am one of you and I will never let you down! I want you to know that I will keep hope alive; I want you to know that your time has come.

I stand before you today, humbly seeking your support for me, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, to run for the office of the President of Nigeria with Architect Namadi Sambo as my running mate.

We will fight for JUSTICE!

We will fight for all Nigerians to have access to POWER!

We will fight for qualitative and competitive EDUCATION!

We will fight for HEALTH CARE REFORMS!

We will fight to create jobs, for all Nigerians!

We will fight corruption!

We will fight to protect all Citizens!

We will fight for your rights!

My dear country men and women, give me your support, give me your votes and together we will fight to build a great nation of our dreams!

I cannot end this speech without thanking you all for attending this occasion. Your huge attendance is a loud testimony of your support for us. For this I am very grateful. I pray that the Almighty God abides with you and sees you safely back to your respective destinations.

When you return, tell all those at home that as we celebrate our fifty years anniversary as a nation, Goodluck has come to transform Nigeria and I will never let you down.

Thank You.

May God Bless you all!

And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!

- GOODLUCK EBELE AZIKIWE JONATHAN, GCFR.

koruji:

There is no veil in that office - the real veil are people who begin to see their rulers as gods, rather than employees, albeit a high level employee, but still an employee. Let me repeat my last statement: Any president of Nigeria must be prepared to be held ACCOUNTABLE from here on - and that means if we know someone cannot be held accountable once in a position of power, they must be shoved out the door right now.

Besides, don't compare OBJ to Jonathan, not that I want to devalue OBJ or anything, but you are comparing apples to oranges - while OBJ might have grown up as a poor lad, he soon transformed his life into a priviledged one by joining the Nigerian military, which has held the heart of the nation in its hands over the years - including our resources.

Still, OBJ remains the best we have had so far, despite his admittedly self-distructive third-term agenda. Go and look at the two periods in Nigerian history when things calmed down and hope came alive, and you will find that somehow OBJ was in command. Before you go all gaga on me the overall grade for Nigeria's rulership since 1966 is a definite FAIL, including OBJs periods. In another place and time we would be a country 20 times better than we are now - we should be at least the equivalent of South Korea today!

We cannot redo history, but we must make the best choices from now on - even though those choices may not include the best of the potential options, they remain our options for now

Sigh!

you people are so gullible, great speech my foot. What has he done to suggest in anyway that he'll fight corruption. Goodluck has never won a political office/ never been elected on his own, he has no experience in governance.

If you can think properly, then experience should count for something. IBB would be a better a candidate.

Wow, from Yar Aduas as presidential names to Azikiwes.

If not to be rude, I would call you a self-contradicting mugun. Just look at your post:

1. "Goodluck has never won a political office/never been elected on his own, he has no experience" - deputy governor, governor,vice president,president those actual, legitimate, political offices!
2. "If you can think properly, then experience should count for something. IBB would be a better a candidate." - in your world all those positions give jonathan no experience and when added together almost equals the total time your idol IBB spent ruining Nigeria through illegitimate government.

I guess your rule to "won a political office/never been elected on his own" doesn't apply to IBB, while the "experience should count for something" rule recognizes IBB's illegitimate rule, but not Jonathans legitimate political services.

Please go back to the drawing board - there are no deceivable kids over here.

gadogado:

you people are so gullible, great speech my foot. What has he done to suggest in anyway that he'll fight corruption. Goodluck has never won a political office/ never been elected on his own, he has no experience in governance.
If you can think properly, then experience should count for something. IBB would be a better a candidate.

gadogado:

you people are so gullible, great speech my foot. What has he done to suggest in anyway that he'll fight corruption. Goodluck has never won a political office/ never been elected on his own, he has no experience in governance.

If you can think properly, then experience should count for something. IBB would be a better a candidate.

And those who have experience are? IBB?
I don't even want to go there, he has already (with all that experience), perfected plans to jump ship to ANPP, a party which has no known direction. IBB will soon be in jail for his "experience" with our $12.4billion.

Jonathan has been Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, President. . . And you claim he has no experience? Laughable!

Na Today? I think Yarádua said more than this,

Experience Indeed! IBB has experience in looting. yes, he has the experience. so he is coming again to show us his looting experience abi. Guy we have passed that stage. If u were among those he hired to abuja for his declaration better go and press on him for ur ten thousand naira he promised u, cheap fagol. unpatrotic boshat! IBB will soon be in jail, soonest. He thinks he can come back to presidency all because he is lonely at home. He is the biggest fool i have ever seen. He's political adviser must have made millions from him. Guy-man advicer, continue milking him jareh as he goes on with his delusion. Fool with small mind, you(IBB) sent MKO down to untimely death, and here u are opening ur dirty mouth. Barawo oloshi!!!!!!!!!!

Wonderful speech and promises, if only he fulfills them.

But strongly speaking, he is the only one that deserves Nigerians vote among those parading wolves.

Talk is cheap!

@mystical,i feel you ''talk is cheap''
@Beaf i noticed you don't always talk crap again,cos your brother is now in power,and you think he his intelligent.
This is the first time i''l hear you pass a positive comment, ''he is inteligent'' indeed.

@beaf, you must be blind not to have seen the teleprompter before jonathan. he was actually reading from an electronic visual text.

LIES, LIES AND MORE LIES.

Why doesnt he start with opening the corruption case on his wife, or how about explaining why he allocated N1 billion naira budget to celebrate nigeria's upcoming "independence" celebrations.  

This is money that could have been used to pay salaries of civil servants who have not been paid for ages.

You guys think OBJ was bad, if this man (and i sincerley doubt that he will win) gets in, you guys will be crying for OBJ to return to office.