World Leaders, Tinubu celebrate Mahama in Accra for inauguration as President
…Africa will continue to silence critics with remarkable progress, through Ghana’s democracy — Tinubu
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria attended the swearing-in ceremony of Ghana’s newly elected President, John Dramani Mahama, in Accra on Tuesday, where he delivered a message about Africa’s progress and the continent’s response to international criticism.
The President who served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended Ghana’s democratic achievements in his address and celebrated Ghana’s peaceful transition of power as an achievement for African democracy.
He said that the peaceful transition of power in the nations of Ghana, Nigeria and other African countries demonstrate how the continent continues to silence critics.
He stated that leaders in Africa no longer have anything to show critics demanding proofs of their results except themselves as beacon of hope, reaffirms his solidarity and commitment to democracy, where viable economy would be created to solve the issues of insecurity, unemployment and with determination to lift many out of poverty through the Economic Community Organization of West African States, (ECOWAS).
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. 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 that Africa’s critics stop 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 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.
“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.
“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 fulfil 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.
“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. 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.
“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. God bless Ghana and its Beloved People,” he said.
Also, Tinubu, alongside former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, attended the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama.
The event also saw the attendance of other dignitaries, including former Ghanaian President John Kufuor and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
