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TEXT: Full Transcript Of Joe Biden’s Inaugural Speech

Published

5 years ago

on

Chief Justice Roberts,

Vice – President Harris ,

Speaker Pelosi ,

Leader Schumer ,

Leader McConnell,

Vice -President Pence ,

My distinguished guests ,

My fellow Americans .

This is America ’s day . This is democracy ’ s day . A day of history and hope , of renewal and resolve . Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested a new and America has risen to the challenge.

Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause , a cause of democracy . The people – the will of the people – has been heard , and the will of the people has been heeded.

We ’ ve learned again that democracy is precious , democracy is fragile and, at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed . So now on this hallowed ground where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the Capitol ’s very foundations , we come together as one nation under God – indivisible – to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries .

As we look ahead in our uniquely American way, restless , bold , optimistic , and set our sights on a nation we know we can be and must be , I thank my predecessors of both parties . I thank them from the bottom of my heart . And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength , the strength of our nation , as does President Carter , who I spoke with last night who cannot be with us today, but who we salute for his lifetime of service .

I’ ve just taken a sacred oath each of those patriots have taken . The oath first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On we the people who seek a more perfect union . This is a great nation , we are good people . And over the centuries through storm and strife in peace and in war we’ ve come so far. But we still have far to go.

We ’ ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility . Much to do , much to heal , much to restore , much to build and much to gain . Few people in our nation ’ s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’ re in now . A once in a century virus that silently stalks the country has taken as many lives in one year as in all of World War Two .

Millions of jobs have been lost . Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed . A cry for racial justice , some 400 years in the making , moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself , a cry that can’ t be any more desperate or any more clear now . The rise of political extremism , white supremacy, domestic terrorism , that we must confront and we will defeat .

To overcome these challenges , to restore the soul and secure the future of America , requires so much more than words . It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy – unity . Unity. In another January on New Year’ s Day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper the president said , and I quote , ‘ if my name ever goes down in history , it ’ll be for this act , and my whole soul is in it ’ .

My whole soul is in it today, on this January day . My whole soul is in this . Bringing America together , uniting our people , uniting our nation . And I ask every American to join me in this cause . Uniting to fight the foes we face – anger , resentment and hatred . Extremism, lawlessness , violence , disease , joblessness , and hopelessness.

With unity we can do great things , important things . We can right wrongs , we can put people to work in good jobs , we can teach our children in safe schools . We can overcome the deadly virus, we can rebuild work , we can rebuild the middle class and make work secure , we can secure racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world .

I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days . I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real . But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal , that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism , nativism and fear have torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never secure .

Through civil war, the Great Depression, World War , 9 / 11 , through struggle , sacrifice , and setback, our better angels have always prevailed . In each of our moments enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward and we can do that now . History , faith and reason show the way. The way of unity .

We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbours . We can treat each other with dignity and respect . We can join forces , stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace , only bitterness and fury , no progress , only exhausting outrage . No nation , only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge . And unity is the path forward . And we must meet this moment as the United States of America .

If we do that, I guarantee we will not failed. We have never , ever, ever, ever failed in America when we ’ve acted together . And so today at this time in this place , let ’s start afresh , all of us. Let’ s begin to listen to one another again, hear one another , see one another . Show respect to one another . Politics doesn ’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path . Every disagreement doesn ’ t have to be a cause for total war and we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured .

My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this . We have to be better than this and I believe America is so much better than this . Just look around . Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome. As mentioned earlier, completed in the shadow of the Civil War . When the union itself was literally hanging in the balance.

We endure , we prevail . Here we stand , looking out on the great Mall , where Dr King spoke of his dream .
Here we stand , where 108 years ago at another inaugural , thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote . And today we mark the swearing in of the first woman elected to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris . Don’ t tell me things can change . Here we stand where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace .

And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people , to stop the work of our democracy , to drive us from this sacred ground . It did not happen , it will never happen , not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever. To all those who supported our campaign , I’ m humbled by the faith you placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this . Hear us out as we move forward . Take a measure of me and my heart.

If you still disagree , so be it . That ’s democracy . That ’s America . The right to dissent peacefully . And the guardrail of our democracy is perhaps our nation ’ s greatest strength . If you hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion . And I pledge this to you . I will be a President for all Americans , all Americans. And I promise you I will fight for those who did not support me as for those who did.

Many centuries ago , St Augustine – the saint of my church – wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love . What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans ? I think we know. Opportunity , security, liberty, dignity , respect , honour, and yes, the truth .

Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson . There is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility as citizens as Americans and especially as leaders . Leaders who are pledged to honour our Constitution to protect our nation . To defend the truth and defeat the lies.

Look , I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs . I understand like their dad they lay in bed at night staring at the ceiling thinking : ‘Can I keep my healthcare? Can I pay my mortgage ?’ Thinking about their families , about what comes next. I promise you , I get it . But the answer ’s not to turn inward. To retreat into competing factions . Distrusting those who don’ t look like you , or worship the way you do, who don’ t get their news from the same source as you do .

We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue , rural versus urban , conservative versus liberal . We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts , if we show a little tolerance and humility , and if we’ re willing to stand in the other person ’s shoes, as my mom would say . Just for a moment, stand in their shoes.

Because here’s the thing about life . There ’s no accounting for what fate will deal you . Some days you need a hand . There are other days when we’ re called to lend a hand . That ’s how it has to be , that’ s what we do for one another . And if we are that way our country will be stronger , more prosperous , more ready for the future . And we can still disagree .

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us we’re going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter . We ’ re entering what may be the darkest and deadliest period of the virus . We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation , one nation . And I promise this , as the Bible says , ‘ Weeping may endure for a night , joy cometh in the morning ’ . We will get through this together . Together.

Look folks , all my colleagues I serve with in the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching . Watching all of us today. So here’ s my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we’ ve come out stronger for it .

We will repair our alliances, and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday’ s challenges but today’s and tomorrow’ s challenges . And we’ ll lead not merely by the example of our power but the power of our example .

Fellow Americans , moms , dads , sons , daughters, friends , neighbours and co -workers . We will honour them by becoming the people and the nation we can and should be . So I ask you let ’s say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives , those left behind and for our country . Amen.

Folks , it ’ s a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy , and on truth , a raging virus , a stinging inequity , systemic racism , a climate in crisis , America ’s role in the world . Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways . But the fact is we face them all at once , presenting this nation with one of the greatest responsibilities we’ ve had . Now we ’re going to be tested . Are we going to step up ?

It ’s time for boldness for there is so much to do. And this is certain , I promise you . We will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era. We will rise to the occasion. Will we master this rare and difficult hour ? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must and I ’m sure you do as well . I believe we will , and when we do , we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America . The American story .

A story that might sound like a song that means a lot to me , it ’ s called American Anthem . And there ’ s one verse that stands out at least for me and it goes like this : ‘ The work and prayers of century have brought us to this day , which shall be our legacy , what will our children say ? Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America , America , I gave my best to you. ’

Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation . If we do this , then when our days are through, our children and our children ’s children will say of us: ‘ They gave their best , they did their duty , they healed a broken land .’

My fellow Americans I close the day where I began , with a sacred oath. Before God and all of you , I give you my word. I will always level with you .

I will defend the Constitution , I’ll defend our democracy . I ’ll defend America and I will give all – all of you – keep everything I do in your service . Thinking not of power but of possibilities . Not of personal interest but of public good .

And together we will write an American story of hope , not fear . Of unity not division, of light not darkness . A story of decency and dignity , love and healing , greatness and goodness . May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us. And the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history , we met the moment . Democracy and hope , truth and justice , did not die on our watch but thrive .

That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world . That is what we owe our forbearers , one another , and generations to follow .

So with purpose and resolve , we turn to those tasks of our time . Sustained by faith , driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts .

May God bless America and God protect our troops .

Thank you , America.

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Justice Okamgba is journalist at Grassroots.ng

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A Memo to the Nigerian Senate, Judiciary and Fellow Citizens | By Obiageli Oby Ezekwesili

Published

1 month ago

on

September 11, 2025

By

Obiageli Oby Ezekwesili
Dr. Obiageli Oby Ezekwesili

The Senate’s Constitutional Overreach in the Case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Democracy Dies When Laws Become Weapons and Lawmakers Become Serial Lawbreakers.

Six months have passed since the unconstitutional suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, 2025. The Senator, representing the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended following her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

These six months have witnessed an unprecedented assault on constitutional principles, judicial authority, and the very foundations of our democratic institutions. Rather than transparently investigate the allegation against the Senate President, an errant political class has used this opportunity to taunt citizens on how successfully they have captured the Nigerian state, perpetrating unlimited abuse with zero accountability or fear of consequences.

The Senate’s latest constitutional- the farcical letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by the Acting Senate Clerk and informing Senator @NatashaAkpoti that her suspension will continue indefinitely, represents nothing short of an existential threat to our constitutional democracy.

The Senate justifies this latest illegality with the preposterous claim that “the matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption.”

This reasoning is fundamentally flawed. The Senate cannot use pending litigation as justification to prolong an already unconstitutional suspension that has exceeded its own prescribed limits.

When the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled that the six-month suspension was “excessive” and violated constitutional principles, the court affirmed what legal scholars had warned: the Senate’s action exceeded reasonable legislative discipline.

The court’s reasoning was unambiguous. Suspending a lawmaker for six months when the National Assembly sits for only 181 days annually, effectively denies constituents their right to representation for nearly an entire legislative session. This constitutes a fundamental violation of the democratic contract between elected representatives and their constituents.

The numbers tell a stark story of constitutional overreach: 181 days are the constitutionally mandated sitting days for the National Assembly. Six months and counting is the length of suspension imposed and now being prolonged and so the proportion of legislative participation denied to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Kogi Central constituents is over 100%.  Legal experts

have stated that Order 67(4) of the Senate Rules permits suspension for only 14 days maximum, making the six-month suspension a violation of the Senate’s own rules.

Worse, the Senate’s actions flagrantly disregard established judicial precedent. In 2017, the Federal High Court ruled that a six-month suspension was “illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.” In 2018, the court ruled that the Senate lacked power to suspend beyond 14 days, emphasizing that suspension must be proportionate and not disenfranchise constituents.

Despite these clear legal precedents, the Senate imposed a seven-point punishment including office lockout, security withdrawal, salary suspension, and National Assembly access ban.

While Justice Binta Nyako delivered a constitutionally grounded ruling, judicial inconsistencies have enabled the Senate’s misbehavior. When the legislative arm can ignore judicial restraints with impunity, we witness the erosion of the separation of powers that forms our constitutional democracy’s bedrock.

The Chief Justice and National Judicial Council must address these concerning inconsistencies urgently. The fastest conclusion of the Akpoti-Uduaghan case is imperative for the courts to prove to Nigerians that they are not complicit in undermining the rule of law.

A Memo to the Nigerian Senate, Judiciary and Fellow Citizens:

The Senate’s Constitutional Overreach in the Case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Democracy Dies when Laws Become Weapons and Lawmakers Become Serial Lawbreakers.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a covenant between government and governed. Article 6 establishes the judiciary as guardian of constitutional rights. Section 4 defines legislative power limits. Section 14 enshrines the rule of law as democracy’s foundation. These are binding obligations, not suggestions.

The highest lawmaking body of our Land is leading a misadventure to destroy the rule of law and our Democracy.

When the Senate became both accuser and judge in matters involving its leadership, accountability disappeared on this matter. Recall how the Senate Ethics Committee chairman, declared Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition “dead on arrival” before investigation, stating “Akpabio could not have committed sexual harassment.” That prejudgment revealed a system designed to protect power rather than pursue truth.

Some people dismiss this case as an “unserious personal quarrel” irrelevant to suffering Nigerians. Such a view terribly misunderstands the stakes. The Akpoti-Uduaghan versus Akpabio matter reveals how those entrusted with constitutional power act with impunity.

The Constitution grants citizens more power than those in office. However, when majority of our citizens remain unconcerned instead of demanding accountability collectively, constitutional breaches like Senate President Akpabio’s will continue to compound and endanger all.

This case transcends one Senator or constituency—it concerns our democracy’s soul and our collective responsibility to protect it. If a duly elected Senator can be silenced for exercising constitutional rights to petition and speak, what protection exists for ordinary citizens?

Democracy thrives when citizens refuse to be silent spectators to injustice. When we allow one citizen’s rights to be trampled, we enable abuse of our democratic freedoms. As Thomas Jefferson taught: the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

I had to write this memo despite my considered decision to stop wasting my effort on an evidently unreasonable political class. There is sufficient reason to believe that those in power have chosen self-destruction, and no counsel can stop them.

Yet I make one more attempt to caution against this latest democratic assault.

To the Senate and Senators:

Rescind your unconstitutional decision immediately. Recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without delay. Cease your scandalous misappropriation of public office powers to break laws and breach our Constitution.

Demonstrate that Nigeria’s commitment to justice, constitutional governance, and rule of law is substantive, not rhetorical.

End this hubris now.

To Fellow Nigerians: Unify our voices and take a collective stand against this continuing constitutional assault. Six months of this crisis is already too many.

Every day without remedy chips away at democracy’s foundation.  Every moment court orders are defied by those in power teaches our children that law is optional for the powerful.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to resume duties was explicitly affirmed in Justice Nyako’s ruling. She has served out the unconstitutional suspension. Our collective defense of her immediate return defends every Nigerian’s right against public power abuse.

The Senate President and 107 Senators are not more powerful than Nigeria’s people. A word is sufficient for the wise including those who despise wisdom.

Obiageli Oby Ezekwesili is Founder, SPPG- School of Politics, Policy and Governance

September 9, 2025

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FG: President Tinubu Fulfilling Development Promises to South-East

By Sandra Ani

Published

2 months ago

on

August 17, 2025

By

Tinubu and South East
President Bola Tinubu's appointees on tour of South East

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris,  has restated the Federal Government’s firm commitment to the rapid socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East geo-political zone.

Speaking in Abakaliki on Friday night at a Citizens’ Engagement Forum organised by his Ministry, the Minister said: “The commitment of Mr. President to the socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East is unwavering. He is right on track to transform and move the region forward, as promised when he came here to campaign in November 2022.”

The Minister explained that the Citizens’ Engagement Forum is not a mere talk shop but a direct platform to present government’s scorecard, give account of stewardship, and take feedback from Nigerians. 

“This is consistent with the mission of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to reenact trust in public communication by deepening the social contract between government and citizens, and restoring public confidence in governance.”

Highlighting major achievements of the Tinubu administration, Idris noted that subsidy removal and other bold reforms have doubled allocations to states and local governments, fueling an “unprecedented explosion of infrastructure projects across most states of the country.”

The Minister said “the Port Harcourt-Aba railway project has been completed, delivered, and is in operation,” while the Federal Executive Council has approved “the allocation of $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, projected to unlock N50 billion for the region in annual trade.”

In addition, “$508 million has been earmarked for the upgrade and modernization of Eastern Port infrastructure,” while “118.85km of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway has been inaugurated.”

On healthcare, the Minister disclosed that “the Federal Government, in April 2025, flagged off the Cancer Centre of Excellence at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu,” adding that a “world-class Oncology Centre at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka” has also been commissioned.

To support small businesses, Idris stated: “The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry, injected about N200 billion into nano, micro, and small businesses, benefitting over 900,000 business owners.”

He further announced that the newly established South-East Development Commission has “hit the ground running in its pursuit to build a $200 billion economy for the region by 2035,” while the South-East Investment Corporation, with a capital base of N150 billion, will drive industrialization and inclusive growth.

On security, the Minister assured citizens that the Federal Government is winning the war against insurgents and secessionist elements. “We have recorded great success in making the South East safe and rendering the sit-at-home orders by secessionists ineffective,” he stressed.

Idris commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his development strides, especially in forging synergy with the Federal Government to deliver impactful projects for the people of the state. 

“His success across all sectors of the state is a testament to what is possible when state and federal governments work in synergy to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.”

The Minister reiterated President Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy, bridging the infrastructure gap, promoting food security, improving the living conditions of the masses and bequeathing a prosperous nation to future generations. “Indeed, we are not resting on our oars,” he affirmed.

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2027: Again, Enugu North Endorses Gov Mbah over Massive Projects, UNN VC

SANDRA ANI reports that Governor Mbah told the people “…You ain’t seen nothing yet”

Published

2 months ago

on

August 10, 2025

By

Enugu North Endorses Gov Mbah
Governor Peter Mbah addressing the people of Enugu North Senatorial District after they endorsed him for second term.

…Says Enugu-Nsukka rail line in the pipeline

Stakeholders and groups across the six Local Government Areas of Enugu North Senatorial District, also known as Nsukka Zone, have endorsed Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for a second term in office yet again.

The stakeholders, comprising traditional, political, and community leaders, professionals and various groups, said the governor had shown sincerity and determination in addressing the major challenges facing Nsukka Zone through visible projects, while also facilitating the appointment of a son of the zone as the Vice Chancellorship of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for the first time since the founding of the institution in 1960.

This was as Mbah revealed that he was already in the process of feasibility study for a rail line that would reduce trip from Enugu to Nsukka to 15 minutes, saying he was just starting.

The people of Nsukka zone bared their minds during Governor Mbah’s working visit to Nsukka at the weekend, which featured the foundation laying for a 5,000-shop capacity Nsukka International Market, meeting with traditional rulers of the zone at Edem Ani, and a well-attended meeting with stakeholders of the zone.

Speaking, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said the zone had presented three major requests before Mbah ahead of the 2023 election, namely; the dualisation of the 44km Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, appointment of an Nsukka Zone indigene as Vice Chancellor of UNN, and support the creation of Adada State.

“Today, the governor is already dualising the Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road. Just last week, he, through his good relationships with President Bola Tinubu, ensured the emergence of Professor Simon Ortuanya as the Vice Chancellor of UNN. While the creation of Adada State is not for him to decide, he has given us all the support to push for it.

“It means that he has met almost all our demands in just two years. So, tell me why we will follow another person other than him?”, he said.

nsukka zone and Mbah
Governor Peter Mbah addressing the people of Enugu North Senatorial District after they endorsed him for second term.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Engr. Jude Asogwa, said Mbah was unstoppable, as far as Enugu north was concerned, saying he had surpassed their expectations.

“Our people said that I should inform you that you are unstoppable. We thank you for the 20 Smart Green Schools in Nsukka, 20 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, and the Modern Transport Terminal in Nsukka, just to name a few, all in just two years.

“So, we want to tell you that we are committed to your cause. In fact, it is as though Enugu just started two years ago. We don’t engage in frivolities and we are on ground for you,” Asogwa stated.

In his opening remark at the townhall meeting, which held at the UBA Hall, UNN, Member representing Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chidi Obetta, said Mbah had shown that leadership was no rocket science, noting that the essence of the townhall meeting was for the governor to get undiluted feedback from the people.

“The Enugu North zone is saying thank you because I know a lot of projects across various sectors you have told me in our private discussions that you were planning to bring to Nsukka” he said.

Mbah, while responding to their requests which were mostly in appreciation for the projects done and request for more roads, assured the zone that he would get even more aggressive with roads construction in 2025 by which time he would have been done with the 260 Smart Green Schools and the 260 type-2 Primary Healthcare Centers.

“I know you are all excited about the Abakpa-Opi-Nsukka Road. But you ain’t seen nothing yet. We are also going to do a rail line from Enugu to Nsukka. We don’t think that travelling from Enugu to Nsukka should take you more than 15 minutes. We are still doing the feasibility studies. But this is something we will do,” he said.

Other eminent personalities of Enugu North at the events, which featured a question and answer session with the governor, include the Deputy Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Agbo; Labour Party candidate in the 2023 governorship election, who has also returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga; and Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna.

Also present were members of Enugu State House of Assembly representing the zone, the six Council Chairmen of the zone, among others.

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