- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s support of Ghana, stressing that the bond between both countries cannot be broken.
Tinubu stated this during his address at the Swearing-in Ceremony of new Ghanaian President, John Mahama, in Accra on Tuesday.
Describing Mahama as a man of patriotic vision and substance, Tinubu drew similarity better the new President and the late Kwame Nkrumah
He expressed that Nigeria is willingess to support the Black Stars on the basis of the strong bond between both countries.
“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.
“Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.
“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.” Tinubu said.
He also advocated for strong diplomatic ties across Africa.
“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.
“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.” Tinubu added.