|
PROTOCOL
1. I wish to commend the esteemed
members of the Council on Foreign
Relations (CFR) for its continued
interest in Nigerian Affairs.
2. We are always ready to work with the
Council on areas of mutual interest
especially those that foster greater
understanding, facilitate growth and
promote the mutual development of our
two Nations.
3. In this regard the signing of the
Bi-National Commission last week opens
up a new vista of opportunity for
Nigeria/US relations. The BNC marks a
new threshold for greater collaboration
between the private sectors of our two
countries which we must support to drive
our economies.
4. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen
there is no doubt in my mind that we are
presented with an opportunity to make a
lasting impact on the future direction
of Nigeria.
Today I am confronted with the greatest
test of my political career.
5. When I was a young man growing up in
the Niger Delta, I had great dreams for
the future. I was fascinated by science
and discovery and the transformational
powers of technology. So I pursued a
course of study in science and for 10
years I remained in the field of science
as a teacher nurturing the growth of
young scientists in Nigeria. When I
ventured out of the classroom it was
again another opportunity to apply my
background in science to protect the
delicate ecosystem of the Niger Delta.
6. In both the classroom and my
environmental protection work I came
face to face with the challenges of
sustainable development in Nigeria. The
challenges of insufficient funding of
critical sectors, mis-prioritization and
low infrastructural base were always an
obstacle to surmount.
7. But as an individual I continued to
make progress and never conceded to
these difficulties although of course I
was later diverted into politics in
1999.
8. Throughout my political career I have
applied the lessons of scientific
inquiry and technological innovation to
meet the challenges that my constituents
face.
9. Today I am confronted with the
greatest test of my political career.
While we continue to pray for the
recovery of our President, Alhaji Umaru
Musa Yar’ Adua it is my responsibility
to work with all Nigerians to improve
the pace of development and to do so
facing the right direction.
10. We have chosen for ourselves what I
will call foundational responsibilities
which if well shouldered will form a
solid base for the development of
Nigeria from this point onwards.
11. In this responsibility of
consolidating and deepening our
democracy, we are committed to ensuring
that the remaining period of the
administration is not a transitional
period but one which, we hope, will one
day be viewed as a watershed, a
transformational time in our young
democracy. For us in Nigeria this is our
time. Either we continue with more of
the same or we change the game.
12. There is no doubt that we have been
faced by some challenges in our country
but we have stabilized the polity and we
are determined to consolidate on the
gains so recorded. And for now our
domestic focus must be on electoral
reform, delivering peace dividends to
the Niger Delta and standing strong on
our resolve against corruption.
13. Internationally we are determined to
restore Nigeria’s image and traditional
role as a key member of the
international community. In an
increasingly uncertain world Nigeria is
a key partner in our collective efforts
to maintain peace and security in Africa
and beyond. Nigeria will reiterate its
commitments to fight terrorism and
rededicate our efforts to promote
development, democracy and a shared
value for human progress.
14. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
I thank you for the opportunity to share
our thoughts and hopes with you on the
present and future.
15. I thank you for your attention.
|
