Jonathan: I Have New Strategy To End Bombings

Dr. Jonathan

Oct 1st, 2011 – President Goodluck Jonathan declared this morning that he has devised a new strategy to tackle the threats to security in the country.

The country has for some time come under a spate of bombings and other forms of violence by militant groups, including the Boko Haram sect.

In June, the militant group claimed responsibility for the bombing of the Police Headquarters in Abuja and that of the UN House, also in the Federal Capital, which occurred in August.

Before now, the sect had restricted its activities to the north eastern states of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe and others.

In Jos, the Plateau State capital, there had been serial killings on account of ethnic clashes.

Jonathan, who addressed the nation in commemoration of the nation’s 51st independence anniversary, said he had evolved a new strategy aimed at checking the spate of violence.

He said: “I have put in place a new and reinvigorated national security strategy, to combat the threat to our safety. Yet, no matter what I do as your President and no matter what we do as your elected leaders, at all levels, the peace and security of our nation rest also on our collective efforts as citizens, in our various communities. 

“All leaders and citizens, in every community, must therefore make peace the number one priority of their daily routine.  This is because, without peace, no community can realise its objectives or achieve a happy and productive life for its members. 

“The current incidents of violence and terror in parts of the country will surely be overcome. We will secure the safety of our citizens, for only when we do this will we be able to build the needed peace and tranquility in all parts of the federation.

“Securing our peace and stability will ensure economic growth and prosperity for all.”  

On the economy, he said: “We are growing our economy to generate employment opportunities for our teeming youth and enhanced prosperity for every citizen. This remains the main focus of my administration.’’

He also said in a few days, he was going to launch an innovative competition for our young entrepreneurs to come up with ways to expand their businesses, create more jobs, and sharpen their business skills. 

The President said the Nigeria that the people need is one that is above ethnic and religious leaning.

This, he said, is very necessary for the peace and unity of the country. He also pictured a new Nigeria that uses its diversity for the good of the country.  

He said: “Let me assure all Nigerians of my resolve to lead our nation into a safer, more peaceful and prosperous future for our children. 

“This is the Nigeria we need and this is the Nigeria we all must build. As we celebrate today, let us resolve to build the Nigeria of our future. 

“For the time has come to rise above ethnic and religious divisions. The time has come to unite against violence in all its ramifications. The time has come to secure our peace and unite against suffering and deprivation. 

‘’I see a new Nigeria rising. A Nigeria that is economically strong. A Nigeria that takes its rightful place of leadership in the world. A Nigeria that uses its diversity to reinforce its strength. A Nigeria we all can be proud of.“

He also called on political leaders to put aside partisan politics for united action towards the advancement of our nation, adding that all political leaders must be involved in the building of the country. 

‘’All leaders and citizens, in every community, must therefore make peace the number one priority of their daily routine.  This is because without peace, no community can realise its objectives or achieve a happy and productive life for its members,’’ he said (The Nation).