Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was a Nigerian Politician and the 13th president of Nigeria. He was born on August 16, 1951 to an elite Fulani family in Katsina State, Nigeria. His father was a Minister in the first republic while his brother, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was a close friend to former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was the Governor of Katsina State from 1999-2007 and the first Nigerian governor to publicly declare his assets. In 2007, he won the Nigerian Presidential election. He immediately proposed a government of national unity, announced Amnesty programme for the Niger Delta Militants and inspired many economic reforms within his short stay as the Nigerian President.
Here are 10 Memorable Quotes of Former Nigerian President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua
10 Memorable Quotes Umaru Musa Yar’Adua
This is a historic day for our nation, for it marks an important milestone in our march towards a maturing democracy. For the first time since we cast off the shackles of colonialism almost a half-century ago, we have at last managed an orderly transition from one elected government to another.
1. The promise of independence is yet to be fully realized. This however does not diminish the value of freedom and the eternal significance of the sacrifice of those who suffered to make us free.
2. We acknowledge that our elections had some shortcomings. Thankfully, we have well-established legal avenues of redress, and I urge anyone aggrieved to pursue them. I also believe that our experiences represent an opportunity to learn from our mistakes
3. Let us stop justifying every shortcoming with that unacceptable phrase ‘the Nigerian Factor’ as if to be a Nigerian is to settle for less
4. Our government is determined to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies, especially the police. The state must fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting life and property.
5. We are determined to intensify the war against corruption, more so because corruption is itself central to the spread of poverty. Its corrosive effect is all too visible in all aspects of our national life. This is an area where we have made significant progress in recent years, and we will maintain the momentum
6. To fulfill our ambitions, all our leaders at all levels whether a local government councilor or state governor, senator or cabinet minister must change our style and our attitude. We must act at all times with humility, courage, and forthrightness
7. No matter what obstacles confront us, I have confidence and faith in our ability to overcome them. After all, we are Nigerians! We are a resourceful and enterprising people, and we have it within us to make our country a better place.
8. The crisis in the Niger Delta commands our urgent attention. Ending it is a matter of strategic importance to our country. I will use every resource available to me, with your help, to address this crisis in a spirit of fairness, justice, and cooperation.
9. Let us join together to ease the pains of today while working for the gains of tomorrow. Let us set aside cynicism and strive for the good society that we know is within our reach. Let us discard the habit of low expectations of ourselves as well as of our leaders.
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