President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, assured Ghanaians that Nigeria is ready to work with the country in overcoming the challenges facing the West African subregion, noting that, “We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.”
President Tinubu, who stated this at the inauguration of President John Mahama in Accra on Tuesday, described the recent election that produced the new president as a landmark achievement for democracy in the region.
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“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.”
Speaking on the election which has been highly applauded globally, Tinubu stated that “the development lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.”
He said Ghana has answered that question resoundingly, noting that it is time that Africa’s critics stopped forgetting the strides the continent has made in its democratic jpurney.
“This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society.
“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.”
The Nigerian leader also described the moment as “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.
Read also: Ghana’s transition shows West Africa has thriving democracy – Tinubu
“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.”
Tinubu noted that the event has reignited the spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, 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.
“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.”
He described the new president as “a man of patriotic vision and substance,” stressing that” 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 Tinubu prayed that the new administration will be a profound success and progress for Ghanaians, and the entire subregion.
“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.”
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