During his Democracy Day broadcast to commemorate 15th years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his administration determination to use all available options in handling the threat of terrorism in the country, including dialogue, de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration of members of the dread boko haram that renounce terrorism and embrace peace.
“For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace. My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society,” he said.
The president shared his thought with parents and guardians of the abducted Chibok girls, assuring them that the security operatives are working round the clock to ensure the safe release of the girls and reunite them with their families. President Jonathan also enumerated some of his achievements in office, which include high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.
The president paid tributes to patriots who made the sacrifice for the restoration of democracy in the country, noting that he ordered a low-key celebrations in deference to the current mood of the nation while enjoining the citizens to protect the gains of the Fourth Republic.