Politics
By Anthony Isibor
NIGERIAN President Bola Tinubu has described President John Mahama of Ghana as a man of patriotic vision and substance, who loves his nation and its people to the core.
According to president Tinubu, his Ghana counterpart has the ability to bring about positive change and progress for the country.
President Tinubu, who expressed confidence in the new government under his leadership, noted that no one can ask more of a leader than President Mahama.
Speaking at the swearing in of his Ghana counterpart, Mahama, on Tuesday in Accra, President Tinubu said: “I am confident that he will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people.”
He added that the moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society, but further lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavors and urged Africa’s critics to stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves.
“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 means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.
“We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another.
“Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria, but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.
“The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare,” he said.
President Tinubu also called on Mahama to use his ascension to power as a call to new and invigorated momentum in pursuing sub-regional 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.
“May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger, may progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.
“May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region,” he added.
A.I
Jan. 7, 2024
Tags: President Bola Tinubu President John Mahama
