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President Bola Tinubu, in a statement on Tuesday, praised African leaders for their strides in addressing poverty, asserting that the continent is steadily charting a course toward economic empowerment. He further noted that Africa’s commitment to democratic governance underscores its ability to overcome challenges and redefine its global image.
In addition, President Bola Tinubu challenged critics of Africa’s progress to recognize the considerable achievements of countries like Nigeria and Ghana in advancing democratic principles. He appealed for a more understanding approach, urging that Africa be allowed the room to evolve at a pace suited to its circumstances and challenges.
Speaking as a distinguished guest at the inauguration of President John Mahama in Accra yesterday, President Bola Tinubu declared that Africa has nothing left to prove in terms of its commitment to democracy. He pointed out that the continent has already firmly entrenched democratic values, making the argument for Africa’s democratic maturity clear and unassailable.
He said: “We celebrate African democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society.
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“It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time Africa’s critics stopped forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves.
“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.
“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.
“While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pit 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.
“The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher.
“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.”
