Tinubu lauds democracy in Africa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded democracy in Africa saying successful democratic transition in Ghana and other African countries had laid to rest the questions on the continent’s democratic capacities and productive endeavours.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among member states, advocating for a united approach to tackling pressing concerns of poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and other challenges hindering the progress of the region.
President Tinubu stated these on Tuesday in his speech as the Special Guest of Honour during the Swearing-In ceremony of the newly sworn-in President, John Dramani Mahama, in Accra, Ghana.
The Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government, who vowed continued support for member countries while also protecting the bonds of brotherhood, asserted that the recent democratic transition in Ghana further demonstrated the democratic and productive capabilities of the West African region.
He tasked leaders in the region to deploy available capacity to find paths to success and lift their nations out of poverty as well as build strong and resilient economies for the people.
“This moment does not merely symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society, it further demonstrates that in West Africa, we are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.
“It is time that our continent’s critics stop forgetting the strides that Ghana, Nigeria and others have made. We need not prove ourselves to them.
“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have the capacity. We shall find the critical path to our success. We will lift our nations out of poverty and build strong and resilient economies for our people.
“While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be.
“That star reminds us, always, to strive and work together. Even when we disagree, we must choose the path of peaceful dialogue. Never, can we do harm to our brothers nor can we permit any outsider to disrupt our bonds of brotherhood.”
President Tinubu extolled the black star of Ghana as the lodestar of African freedom whose rays spread across the continent with sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to the common welfare of the region.
The Nigerian Leader expressed optimism in the administration of the newly elected President, Dramani Mahama, in infusing positive change and progress towards sub-regional integration.
“I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress. Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress.
“With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress,” President Tinubu added.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in President John Mahama’s administration, believing it will enhance collaboration with Nigeria and strengthen existing ties.
He anticipated that this partnership will create better opportunities for the citizens of both nations.
“I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people.”
He extolled the newly sworn-in President of Ghana, Dramani Mahama as a man of patriotic vision and substance who loves his nation and its people to the core.
“Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfill it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.
“President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters.
“The bond is strong and cannot be broken. May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region,” President Tinubu added.
The Nigerian Leader further stated that Ghana, just like Nigeria draws strength from founding fathers who cherished the close relationship between the two nations.
“Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.
“May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.”
With the new government of President Dramani Mahama, President Tinubu urged Ghanaians to look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.
VON
