President Muhammadu Buhari has described the Niger Delta militants who emerged shortly after he assumed the leadership of Nigeria to begin to blow up gas and oil pipelines in Nigeria as senseless thugs, vowing that his government will not allow these mindless groups to hold the country to ransom.

The President, in his October 1^st Independence broadcast to the Nation today, Saturay asked: “what sense is there to damage a gas line as a result of which many towns in the country including their own town or village is put in darkness as a result?  What logic is there in blowing up an export pipeline and as a result income to your state and local governments and consequently their ability to provide services to your own people is reduced?

“The damage perpetrated by Niger Delta thugs on pipelines sometimes reduced Nigeria’s production to below One million barrels per day against the normal two point two million barrels per day.  Consequently, the naira is at its weakest, but the situation will stabilize.”

Emphasising that no group can unlawfully challenge the authority of the Federal Government and succeed, President Buhari stressed that his government is in touch with the State Governments and leaderships of the region.

Buhari sympathised with the plight of the good people of Niger Delta, assuring that the clean-up of the Ogoniland and infrastructural projects financed by the Federal Government and post amnesty programme financing will continue.

He further assured that his government will continue to dialogue with all groups and leaders of thought in the region to bring lasting peace.

The full text of President Buhari Independence broadcast goes thus:

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON 56^TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY. OCTOBER 1^ST 2016

Today – 1^st October is a day of celebration for us Nigerians.  On this day, 56 years ago our people achieved the most important of all human desires – freedom and independence.  We should all therefore give thanks and pray for our founding fathers without whose efforts and toil we would not reap the bounties of today.

2. I know that uppermost in your minds today is the economic crisis. The recession for many individuals and families is real. For some It means not being able to pay school fees, for others it’s not being able to afford the high cost of food (rice and millet) or the high cost of local or international travel, and for many of our young people the recession means joblessness, sometimes after graduating from university or polytechnic.
3. I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my adult life I have always earned a salary and I know what it is like when your salary simply is not enough. In every part of our nation people are making incredible sacrifices.
4. But let me say to all Nigerians today, I ran for office four times to make the point that we can rule this nation with honesty and transparency, that we can stop the stealing of Nigeria’s resources so that the resources could be used to provide jobs for our young people, security, infrastructure for commerce, education and healthcare.
5. I ran for office because I know that good government is the only way to ensure prosperity and abundance for all. I remain resolutely committed to this objective.
6. I believe that this recession will not last.
7. Temporary problems should not blind or divert us from the corrective course this government has charted for our nation.  We have identified the country’s salient problems and we are working hard at lasting solutions.
8. To re-cap what I have been saying since the inception of this administration, our problems are security, corruption and the economy, especially unemployment and the alarming level of poverty.
9. On Security, we have made progress.  Boko Haram was defeated by last December – only resorting to cowardly attacks on soft targets, killing innocent men, women and children.
10.   Nigerians should thank our gallant men of the Armed Forces and Police for rescuing large areas of the country captured by insurgents.  Now, residents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, as well as several neighbouring states go about their daily business in relative safety.  People can go to mosques, churches, market places in reasonable safety.
11.   Commuters can travel between cities, towns and villages without fear.  Credit for this remarkable turn-round should go to our Armed Forces, the Police, various sponsored and private vigilante groups, the local traditional leaders.  Security is a top to bottom concern and responsibility.
12.   Besides Boko Haram, we are confronting other long-running security issues, namely herdsmen vs farmers, cattle rustling, kidnappings.  This Administration is firmly resolved to tackle these challenges and to defeat them.
13.   A new insurgency has reared up its head in the shape of blowing up gas and oil pipelines by groups of Niger Delta Militants.  This Administration will not allow these mindless groups to hold the country to ransom.
14.   What sense is there to damage a gas line as a result of which many towns in the country including their own town or village is put in darkness as a result?  What logic is there in blowing up an export pipeline and as a result income to your state and local governments and consequently their ability to provide services to your own people is reduced?
15.   No group can unlawfully challenge the authority of the Federal Government and succeed.  Our Administration is fully sympathetic to the plight of the good people of Niger Delta and we are in touch with the State Governments and leaderships of the region.  It is known that the clean-up of the Ogoniland has started.  Infrastructural projects financed by the Federal Government and post amnesty programme financing will continue.
16.   We have however, continued to dialogue with all groups and leaders of thought in the region to bring lasting peace.
17.   Corruption is a cancer which must be fought with all the weapons at our disposal.  It corrodes the very fabric of government and destroys society.  Fighting corruption is Key, not only to restoring the moral health of the nation, but also to freeing our enormous resources for urgent socio-economic development.
18.   In fighting corruption, however, the government would adhere strictly by the rule of law.  Not for the first time I am appealing to the judiciary to join the fight against corruption.
19.   The Third Plank in this Administration’s drive to CHANGE Nigeria is re-structuring the economy.  Economies behaviour is cyclical.  All countries face ups and downs.  Our own recession has been brought about by a critical shortage of foreign exchange.  Oil price dropped from an average of hundred USD per barrel over the last decade to an average of forty USD per barrel this year and last.
20.   Worse still, the damage perpetrated by Niger Delta thugs on pipelines sometimes reduced Nigeria’s production to below One million barrels per day against the normal two point two million barrels per day.  Consequently, the naira is at its weakest, but the situation will stabilize.
21.   But this is only temporary.  Historically about half our dollar export earnings go to importation of petroleum and food products!  Nothing was saved for the rainy days during the periods of prosperity.  We are now reaping the whirlwinds of corruption, recklessness and impunity.
22.   There are no easy solutions, but there are solutions nonetheless and Government is pursuing them in earnest.  We are to repair our four refineries so that Nigeria can produce most of our petrol requirements locally, pending the coming on stream of new refineries.  That way we will save ten billion USD yearly in importing fuel.
23.   At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Bank have been mobilized to encourage local production of rice, maize, sorghum, millet and soya beans.  Our target is to achieve domestic self-sufficiency in these staples by 2018.
24.   Already farmers in thirteen out of thirty six states are receiving credit support through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme.  Kebbi state alone this year is expected to produce one million tonnes of locally grown rice, thanks to a favourable harvest this year.  As part of the 13 states, Lagos and Ogun are also starting this programme. Rice alone for example costs Nigeria two billion USD to import.
25.   The country should be self-sufficient in basic staples by 2019.  Foreign exchange thus saved can go to industrial revival requirements for retooling, essential raw materials and spare parts.  It is in recognition of the need to re-invigorate agriculture in our rural communities that we are introducing the LIFE programme.
26.   Government recognises that irrigation is key to modern agriculture: that is why the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources are embarking on a huge programme of development of lakes, earth dams and water harvesting schemes throughout the country to ensure that we are no longer dependent on rain-fed agriculture for our food requirements.
27. In addition, government is introducing Water Resources Bill encompassing the National Water Resources Policy and National Irrigation and Drainage Policy to improve management of water and irrigation development in the country.  We are reviving all the twelve River Basin Authorities, namely;
28. Anambra – Imo
29. Benin – Owena

III.        Chad Basin

1.  Cross River
2. Hadejia – Jama’are
3. Lower Benue

VII.        Lower Niger

VIII.        Niger Delta

1. Ogun – Osun
2. Sokoto – Rima
3. Upper Benue

XII.        Upper Niger

28. The intention is eventually to fully commercialise them to better support crop production, aqua –culture and accelerated rural development.
29. This Administration is committed to the revival of Lake Chad and improvement of the hydrology and ecology of the basin.  This will tune in with efforts to rehabilitate the thirty million people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad basin countries.
30.   The second plank in our economic revival strategy is centred on the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.  The Ministry will lead and oversee the provision of critical infrastructure of power, road transport network and housing development.
31. Power generation has steadily risen since our Administration came on board from three thousand three hundred and twenty four   megawatts in June 2015, rising to a peak of five thousand and seventy four megawatts in February 2016.
32.   For the first time in our history the country was producing five thousand megawatts. However, renewed militancy and destruction of gas pipelines caused acute shortage of gas and constant drop in electricity output available on the grid.
33. There has been during the period June 2015 to September 2016 big improvement in transmission capacity from five thousand five hundred megawatts to the present seven thousand three hundred megawatts.
34. There were only two system collapses between June and December 2015, but due to vandalism by Niger Delta militants the over-all system suffered 16 system collapses between March and July 2016 alone. As I have said earlier, we are engaging with responsible leadership in the region to find lasting solutions to genuine grievances of the area but we will not allow a tiny minority of thugs to cripple the country’s economy.
35.   In the meantime, government is going ahead with projects utilizing alternate technologies such as hydro, wind, and solar to contribute to our energy mix. In this respect, the Mambilla Hydro project, after many years of delay is taking off this year. Contract negotiations are nearing completion with Chinese firms for technical and financial commitments.
36. The project is to be jointly financed by Nigeria and the Chinese-Export-Import Bank. In addition, fourteen Solar Power Projects have had their power purchase agreements concluded. Hence the plan to produce one thousand two hundred megawatts of solar electricity for the country would be realized on schedule.
37. And in line with the objective of government to complete all abandoned projects across the country, the Rural Electrification Agency’s projects needing completion are provided for in the 2016 Budget. Bringing electricity to rural areas will help farmers, small scale and cottage industries to integrate with the national economy.
38. Roads Construction and Rehabilitation has taken off. The sum of twelve billion naira was allocated to this sector in the 2015 Budget, not enough even to pay interest on outstanding unpaid claims.
39. Notwithstanding the budgetary constraints, the current budget allocated two hundred and forty billion naira for highway projects against twelve billion naira in 2015. Many contractors who have not been paid for three years have now remobilized to sites. Seven hundred and twenty point five billion naira has so far been released this budget year to capital projects.
40. The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has received one hundred and ninety seven point five billion naira. Work on the following highways has now resumed.
41. Dualization of Calabar – Itu Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States.
42. Dualization of Lokoja – Benin Road, Ehor – Benin city, Edo State.
43. Re-construction of outstanding sections of Benin – Shagamu Express way, Edo/Ogun States.
44. Expansion works on Lagos – Ibadan Dual carriageway, Ogun/Oyo States
45. Rehabilitation of Onitsha – Enugu Expressway, Anambra/Enugu States.
46. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual carriageway, Abia/Rivers States.
47.  Rehabilitation of Hadejia – Nguru Road, Jigawa State.
48. Dualization of Kano – Katsina Road, Kano State.
49. Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road, Borno State.
50. Dualization of Azare – Potiskum Road, Azare – Sharuri Road, Bauchi State.
51. Rehabilitation of Ilorin – Jebba – Mokwa – Birnin Gwari Road, Kwara State.
52. Construction of Oju/Lokoja – Oweto Bridge over River Benue, Benue State.

41. Other major highways are in the queue for rehabilitation or new construction.
42. Already contractors have recalled about nine thousand workers laid off and Government expects that several hundreds of thousands of workers will be reengaged in the next few months as our public works programme gains momentum.
43.   On railways, we have provided our counterpart funding to China for the building of our standard gauge Lagos -Kano railway. Meanwhile, General Electric is investing two point two billion USD in a concession to revamp, provide rolling stock, and manage the existing lines, including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line. The Lagos-Calabar railway will also be on stream soon.
44. We have initiated the National Housing Programme. In 2014 four hundred million naira was voted for Housing. In 2015 nothing. Our first budget this year is devoting thirty five point six billion naira. Much of the house building will be private – sector led but Government is initiating a pilot housing scheme of two thousand eight hundred and thirty eight units uniformly spread across the 36 states and FCT.
45.   We expect these units to be completed within 4 – 6 months. These experimental Nigeria House model Units will be constructed using only made in Nigeria building materials and components. This initiative is expected to reactivate the building materials manufacturing sector, generate massive employment opportunities and develop sector capacity and expertise.
46.   The programmes I have outlined will revive the economy, restore the value of the naira and drive hunger from our land.
47.   Abroad, Nigeria’s standing has changed beyond belief in the last 18 months. We are no longer a pariah state. Wherever I go, I have been received with un-accustomed hospitality. Investors from all over the world are falling over themselves to come and do business in Nigeria. This government intends to make business environment more friendly because we can not develop ourselves alone.
48.   All countries, no matter how advanced, welcome foreign investments to their economy. This is the essence of globalization and no country in the 21^st century can be an island. Our reforms are therefore designed to prepare Nigeria for the 21^st century.
49.   Finally, let me commend Nigerians for your patience, steadfastness and perseverance. You know that I am trying to do the right things for our country.
50. Thank you and may God bless our country. [myad]

Former Nigeria Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has said that the past mistakes by the nation’s leaders can only be corrected through collective efforts of all Nigerians and not continuous lamentation.

In a message of solidarity to Nigerians on the 56^th Independence of the country today, Saturday, Atiku described the situation the country is going through at the moment as turbulence, which he said “may cause some citizens of our country to feel that all hope is lost, that there is nothing worth celebrating.”

He admitted that the leaders might have made some mistakes in not being frugal at the time of surplus and that our policy makers kept on living in denial when this recession could have been nipped in the bud, but that the mistake made should not give the citizens erroneous belief that the antidote to resolve the crisis lies with any one man/woman or the government alone.

“We all must come together as patriots to fight back this ugly situation.”

Atiku said that the current economic crisis is not a time for grief, regret or recrimination, saying that it is an opportunity “for all of us to roll up our sleeves and support the government in the arduous task of revitalizing the core elements of our national economy.”

He noted that Nigeria is witnessing an increasing loss of foreign confidence in the ability of Nigerians to resolve the economic downturn amidst the slowing down of badly needed foreign investment, which has decelerated economic development that is so essential to the well-being of the ordinary Nigerian.

“The average Nigerian is worried about the state of things and yearning for a vibrant economy within a peaceful and stable environment so that he/she can carry on with daily endeavours to make ends meet.

“This time demands that we cut our coat according to our cloth, but more than anything else it demands that we lend a helping hand to one another and form a formidable coalition to push back the recession. We didn’t come to this state by our own choice.”

Atiku expressed confidence that the Nigeria of today is faced with great opportunities, immediately and in the near future, saying: “we are making significant headway in our fight against the scourge of corruption. We are at the zenith of producing our own food and aggressively diversifying our economy. We are in the process of empowering our youths and adequately subsidizing our small business owners. We are ensuring massive harvesting and full utilization of all of our natural resources. These are lofty goals and great challenges, but I am confident that, together, we can accomplish them with ease. No problem is insurmountable if we embrace peace and eschew those views that divide us as a nation.

“Governments, corporations and private businesses must do all they can to ensure that people keep their jobs. Despicable as this moment may be, it must call to task the creativity of our young people to innovate and create unique opportunities. We must fight back at this recession on our own terms. We must never allow it to defeat our creative prowess or set us back on terms that we are not prepared for.

“Fifty-six years ago when our heroes negotiated our independence from colonial authorities, the immediate threat before us as a budding country was how to establish a political order that would be enduring and serve the needs of our people. Several years down the line and in spite of the very many upsets along the way, we have been able to establish a democratic political order that has made our governments predictably periodic and more accountable.

“I have spent a lifetime fighting for our citizens inside and outside the government, and I stand on this day of pride to assure all Nigerians that we shall all face the challenges together. This I know is not a job for one man/woman but a job for all of us.

“I stand with our President in his quest to right the turbulent ship of Nigeria. I call on all Nigerians to join hands and unite behind the common goal of making Nigeria a great nation in our lifetime.

“My belief in Nigeria is unflinching and my optimism is boundless. We must get our country on the right path to greatness. Failure is not an option!

Right now, the challenge before us is to create an enduring economic order that will not only accommodate and reward the entrepreneurial instinct of Nigerians, but one that will guarantee prosperity for us all.

“And this moment, as ugly and despicable as it may seem, is our best take off opportunity for a long marathon to a new and brighter economic dawn.”

In his Independence Anniversary statement too, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, described the independence anniversary of the nation as 56 years of challenges and triumphs, which he said Nigerians should be thankful to God for.

Ikpeazu called on Nigerians to continue in prayers for the country and her leaders, especially now that the nation is undergoing serious socio-economic challenges.

“The Federal Government has declared that our economy is in recession and it is obvious to all that we are experiencing serious economic challenges. From shortfall in the revenue accruing to the component states of the federation to other macro-economic challenges, the truth remains that these are tough times for citizens of our great nation. However, we are confident that it will not last long. This too shall pass.

“In Abia State, the economic challenges has affected our finances and by extension, our ability to meet some of our pressing needs but we are not despairing.  We are supremely confident, as a people, that we have the means and the enablement to overcome the most serious of our challenges. We will look inwards, dig deep and leverage on our comparative advantages to overcome our trials.”

Governor Ayodele Fayose has asked Ekiti people to come together as one, irrespective of religion, social, political and economic considerations, to reinvent Ekiti of their dream.

“At this point of our history, we have to come together irrespective of religious, social, political and economic considerations to reinvent the Ekiti of our dream. We are no doubt at a critical juncture of our statehood in view of the prevailing circumstances around us which in most cases are externally induced.

“However these are no justifications to remain lethargic in forging ahead to bring government to the nooks and crannies of the State in fulfilment of the yearnings of the people for a State of their own.”

The governor made the comments in a state-wide broadcast today, October 1^st, to mark not only the Nigeria’s 56 Independence Anniversary, but also the 20^th Anniversary of the creation of Ekiti state.

The full text of the governor’s broadcast goes thus:

FULL TEXT  OF THE STATE WIDE BROADCAST BY GOVERNOR AYODELE FAYOSE OF EKITI STATE ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S 56 INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION AND THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF EKITI STATE ON 1ST OCTOBER 2016

My good people of Ekiti State, 1st of October is a day of double joy for the people of Ekiti State. First, as Nigerians, it is a day that commemorates the independence of our dear country Nigeria from British colonialist, which was attained on 1st October, 1960. The day became more unique on 1st October, 1996 when Ekitiland was carved out of the old Ondo State to become one of the federating units of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Being a fulfilment of an age long struggle for self-determination, the day would ever remain evergreen as a historical milestone for ages.  It is indeed a dream come true.
Our journey to statehood within the federation of Nigeria that began in 1996 is 20 years old today.  I congratulate Ekiti Ketes, both at home and in the diaspora, for this watershed.  It is joy that mere words, no matter how well crafted, cannot fully express.  Let us thank the Almighty God for making us what we are today.  Ekiti people will forever remain grateful to the late General Sani Abacha for the creation of Ekiti State.  I also like to place on record the determination, ruggedness and focused struggles of our royal fathers, statesmen, elders and all those who were involved in championing the course of the creation of the State either directly or by proxy.  I salute these men and women of great vision who saw what many did not see.  They sacrificed personal comforts and resources to liberate us from the miseries of under-representation, grave marginalization, deprivation and deliberate neglect that became the hallmark of our corporate existence as a people in our previous provincial or
territorial alignment.

I also commend all past leaders of our State, at various levels, particularly those who have been privileged to be Chief Executives at one time or the other.  They all contributed their quotas as time will permit them.  I thank God immensely for the special grace and privilege granted me to superintend over Ekiti State today as we celebrate our 20 years of existence, just as it was in 2006 when the State was 10 years old.  I have been singularly opportune to be at the helm of affairs in the State at these critical junctures of history to add value in our march to greatness.
Fellow compatriots, there is no gainsaying the fact that the events that culminated in the creation of our dear State had an expression in the oneness of purpose and the resilience of all for which became the driving force that gave our forebears victory over the invading forces during the ancient Kiriji war of the 19th century.  The lessons of that war were not lost even by the actualization of our unique identity.  The strength drawn from our forefathers in that historical experience stood gallantly against oppression and indignity represented to a large extent the resolve of our statesmen to be unperturbed in their move for us to attain our own territorial identity in spite of what appears unrealizable.  Though to some, we got our State on a platter of gold, but for those who knew the intricacies involved, it was a battle fought and won by the deployment of intelligence, courage, and desire for liberation.
As we mark the 20 years of that eventful milestone today, we are well justified, as a people, to roll out the drums in high profile celebration.  My government has however opted for a low-key celebration because of the financial realities of our State. However, our attainment and achievements are worthy of celebration.
Some did not believe in this course at the beginning, commendably, all of us came out as a united family and took ownership of the new State at her creation.
We cannot deny that 20 years is very little in the life of any state but 20 years is age of maturity. Above all, we have not done badly in the comity of states and within available resources.  We have jointly disprove  the doubting Thomases who believed that the new state without take-off grant would collapse like a pack of cards  We have demonstrated to the whole world that we have what it takes to survive and succeed as an entity.  Everything has to be done to sustain our feet on the path of peace and progress.
My people, there is the need for us to appraise our standing with a view to consolidating on our gains and sharpening our strategies for further growth and development.  Since we have not reached our destination, it is not in our character to rest on our oars.  History is replete with records of the survival of the Ekiti man: when all hopes seem lost, when movements are stifled and when breathing is hard, the Ekiti man displays rare strength, remains resilient in the face of daunting challenges and wins unusual battles.  At this point of our history, we have to come together irrespective of religious, social, political and economic considerations to reinvent the Ekiti of our dream.
We are no doubt at a critical juncture of our statehood in view of the prevailing circumstances around us which in most cases are externally induced.  However these are no justifications to remain lethargic in forging ahead to bring government to the nooks and crannies of the State in fulfilment of the yearnings of the people for a State of their own.
I like to assure the good people of Ekiti State that this administration is deeply committed to the values that make the people of the State distinct.  We will continue to bear our names not only by what we say but by deeds and actions.
I call on you all to join hands with the government as we redraw our plans of survival in the midst of myriads of challenges confronting our country today particularly as our nation battles economic recessions.  Being conscious of the fact that leaders are often made at difficult times, I am resolute as I offer myself to chart the course of making our State a giant among other States by leading a government of truth, transparency and accountability as a basis for state growth.
This government will leave no stone unturned in addressing the problems confronting us a people and pursue more vigorously its six point agenda aimed at having a multi-sectoral turnaround of the State.
Already these efforts are yielding results.  From various projects sites in Ado-Ekiti to Ekiti North, to Ekiti South and Central and indeed in all nooks and crannies of the State, issues of infrastructural decline in road, water, electricity and other facilities are being tackled.  In Ado-Ekiti for instance, apart from stretches of road network already completed and now in use, the construction of ultra-modern market as well as the overhead bridge are ongoing.
I am convinced that there is nothing impossible for a willing and determined heart.  Ekiti is not only able to rank among the best in this country today but has the potentials to be the very best.  The recent ranking of Ekiti State as first throughout the federation in the 2016 NECO results is a pointer in this direction.  I therefore urge you all to let us expand the frontiers of our strength and shrink the mass of our weaknesses.
It is therefore imperative that we should use the occasion of this Anniversary Celebration not only to dine and wine but to support the government as we reflect on our past, re-shape our steps, navigate the rough hedges of our landscape and meander through the mucky waters to take our people to the next level of human dignity through responsive governance.  To me, breaking the vast fallow grounds, climbing the hills and crossing the deep waters is the worthy testimonial of our celebration.  We must be conscious of the truth that indeed so much is yet to be done.  We should therefore not be carried away by the euphoria of the Anniversary, rather we should have a deep reflection on how best to build a State that generations yet unborn would be proud of.
I call on all people of goodwill to have a stake in the development of this State.  I run an open government and will be happy to have all stakeholders to be part of the Ekiti Project to build a formidable structure for sustainable development in the overall interest of our state.
May I assure you all that this government will continue to do everything legitimate to sustain the existing peace in the State.
I appeal to all residents to ensure peaceful co-existence for the good of all of us and all criminal minded individuals will be kept away from the State as the government would mobilize all resources at its disposal to ward off all acts of criminality in order to sustain the peace, law and order that we currently enjoy.
Going forward; let us all contribute our quota to make Ekiti achieve the dreams of the founding fathers.
I once again congratulate you all on this milestone and wish our dear fatherland unhindered peace, progress and unparalleled development to the glory of the Almighty God.
Thank you all for listening. [myad]