'Leadership for all Nigerians'

Excerpts from the speech by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, delivered on his inauguration for a second four-year term.

Fellow Nigerians, let us thank God for this great day, a great day in the history of our nation.

Let us praise the Almighty for guiding us through many weeks of a difficult and but successful electoral process culminating in the today's milestone event of civilian-to-civilian transition as we continue on our political journey towards sustainable democracy in a truly united Nigeria.

Trustworthy

Exactly four years ago to this day, I humbly accepted on this same spot the mantle of leadership of this country as determined by the mandate of offered to me by the results of the preceding elections.

We will confidently advance towards our vision, our vision of a united Nigeria, a strong Nigeria

It will be recalled that our campaign slogan has been: 'The leadership you can trust.' I am indeed delighted to regard the renewed mandate as affirmation of that our leadership has been accepted as trustworthy.

By the grace of God Almighty we will draw on the lessons learnt so far and with your patriotic support we will confidently advance towards our vision, our vision of a united Nigeria, a strong Nigeria, a prosperous Nigeria, a peaceful Nigeria, a just Nigeria, indeed a great Nigeria...

Healing wounds

Fellow Nigerians, you do not need reminding that this inauguration has completed the task for which we have all fervently prayed and worked hard, namely civilian-to-civilian transition.

I intend to use my mandate to provide quality leadership for all of Nigeria and for all Nigerians, regardless of their political persuasions

Naturally, the electioneering has meant times of heightened passion for individuals as well as groups and communities, who pushed for victory.

But, at the end of it all, we should and we must be able to look back with the satisfaction that it had been a good cause, since we all aimed to serve the cause of democracy through exercising our democratic right to persuade our fellow citizens to vote for us.

This is why I see my initial assignment, as president, in trying to heal the wounds from the elections.

As clearly expressed and implied in the oath of office I have just taken, I intend to use my mandate to provide quality leadership for all of Nigeria and for all Nigerians, regardless of their political persuasions.

Anything less would be unconstitutional, morally inadequate, and contrary to the will of God, whose wishes are my command...

Religion in politics

These last general elections have finally laid to rest the beast of ethnic politics after over 50 years of its influence on the Nigerian political scene.

Religion mixed with politics in a multi-faith country like ours portends destruction and devastation

We note, however, with apprehension that while we celebrate the apparent demise of ethnic politics, there is the tragic appearance of religion in our national politics.

It is imperative that we nip this in the bud because religion mixed with politics in a multi-faith country like ours portends destruction and devastation of our social fabric and our entire structure.

African role

It is pertinent to observe that our elections are not important to us alone, but to all democrats in the world. Africans in their quest for development do indeed need to modernize their social systems. But we must remain firm and focused on our Africaness in terms of uniqueness of customs, social values, orientation, and progressive culture.

We in Nigeria, are fully aware of the recent events in the world, from which it appeared that a new paradigm is evolving for a new world order.

We in Africa must take note of these trends and we must prepare adequately and accordingly. Otherwise, there is the serious risk that the marginalization that we have hitherto suffered may become complete de-linkage.

Fellow Nigerians, we share your hopes for a better Nigeria. We identify with your expectations that the government should be able to bring about the requisite changes.

I can assure you that Nigeria is not just the number one item on our agenda. Nigeria is in fact the only item on our agenda, and your aspirations will remain top priority in all our policy decisions.

BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.