President Tinubu calls for unity among African leaders to tackle shared challenges at Mahama's inauguration
In an address at the inauguration of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama at the Black Star Square in Accra, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on African leaders to unite in tackling the continent's shared challenges.
His speech stressed the importance of solidarity, resilience, and a collective effort to overcome poverty, youth unemployment, and instability.
President Tinubu began by celebrating the democratic transition in Ghana, highlighting it as a testament to the strength of African democracy.
"Today, we celebrate African democracy as Ghana and our beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another," he stated. He underscored that this milestone is not just a symbol of Ghana's democratic evolution but also a demonstration of West Africa's capability for democratic and productive endeavours.
He urged critics to recognise the progress made by African nations, asserting, "It is time that our continent's critics stop forgetting this right that Ghana, Nigeria, and others have. We need not prove ourselves to them. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves."
President Tinubu's speech was a clarion call for unity and cooperation among African nations. He emphasised the need for African leaders to work together to lift their nations out of poverty and build strong, resilient economies. "We will lift our nations out of poverty and build strong and resilient economies for our people," he declared.
He also highlighted the symbolic significance of the Black Star, a symbol of Ghana's independence and unity. "The sun is out and the sky may be blue, but I see today a black star rising, rising high in Africa's sky. This black star shines over this nation and its rays spread across this continent with a sense of shared history, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare," he said.
President Tinubu called for peaceful dialogue and mutual respect among African nations, urging leaders to avoid conflicts and external interference. "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," he asserted.
He paid tribute to Ghana's founding father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Nigeria's founding fathers, drawing inspiration from their vision and leadership. "The spirit of Ghana's first Republic President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here, present today, lifting that star higher and higher," he said. "Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding fathers, who not only fought for our independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations."
President Tinubu expressed confidence in President Mahama's leadership, describing him as a man of patriotic vision and substance. "Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and his people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it," he said.
In closing, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria's support for Ghana and called for a renewed focus on regional integration and progress. "We are your brothers and sisters, we shall always be there for you. May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and the entire region," he concluded.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across Africa and the world.