The former president of Kenya, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, has charged the incoming administration of the president-elect, Mr. Bola Tinubu to maximise the moment of transition to initiate and embrace new ways of making Nigeria a great nation.
Spokesman for the president-elect, Mr. Tunde Rahman, said in a statement that Kenyatta gave the charge while addressing dignitaries at the presidential transition inaugural lecture held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday.
He pleaded with the incoming president to unite the country irrespective of ethnic, political, and religious cleavages that may exist.
“The contest is now over and the hard work of building a prosperous and unified Nigeria now begins. Upon assuming the office of President, you would be wise to transcend from the tactical politics of an election and assume your role as Nigeria’s vision bearer,” he said.
He said that could be achieved by eschewing all tendencies of ethnic and religious narratives that undermine democratic growth in the country and on the African continent.
“At the crux of most of our conflict in our continent, for ethnic or sub-ethnic superiority of one community at the expense of the others or we are propagating divisive narratives that have their origins in religious differences or sectarianism.
“As we sit here today we know for a fact, some of the elements I have raised and present danger for the future of Nigeria.
“The incoming administration has the unique opportunity to use these inflection points to order a peaceful transition to take stock, of what sort of future it wants for the people of this country or the future of Nigeria.
“As Nigeria continues to play on the world stage let the new administration use this moment in time to “embrace a brave new way brave new way of doing things to unleash the full might of this green giant,” Kenyatta stated.
Outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari re-echoed Kenyatta’s appeal, stressing that the inauguration lecture highlighted the imperatives of democratic governance, nation-building, and various challenges that confront the socio-political fabrics of Nigeria.
Buhari emphasised that Nigerians can overcome their differences if they agree to work together and practice true democracy.
“We have learnt that democracy is not just a system of governance. It is a way of life. True democracy is when the voices of people are heard. Our nation’s progress rest on inclusivity, unity and not leaving any citizen behind, and ensuring every citizen enjoy the dividends of good governance.
“We must heed the lessons of this lecture and translate them into action. We must fight against corruption in all its form. We must remain united. Our diversity is our strength. We can overcome our differences and forge a common cause towards progress,” he said.
For his part, Tinubu who was represented by the vice president-elect, Mr. Kashim Shettima, spoke on the significance of democracy in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development and called on Nigerians to stand together to birth a better country.
“Democracy is more than a system of governance. It is the very lifeblood that empowers a nation to flourish and thrive. We stand at the precipice of a new era, where the ideals of democracy will guide our path towards sustainable development,” he said.
While embracing his African identity, the president-elect also recognised the collective efforts of Nigerians and Africans in shaping their democratic political cultures and institutions, tailored to the unique conditions and challenges faced by their societies.
He articulated the essence of democracy, emphasizing that it transcends being a mere form of government.
“Our democracy is not an abstract ideal; it is a practical vessel that will propel our nation to new heights in every facet of our collective existence. Democracy, my fellow countrymen, is not only a political system; it is a way of life. It embodies a distinctive code of thought and conduct, demanding the utmost integrity and self-improvement from leaders.
“Today, I stand before you, ready to dedicate my entire being to the service of our great nation and the African continent,” the President-elect proclaimed resolutely,” he added.
