Before a distinguished audience of Nigerians and non-Nigerians yesterday, President-elect Bola Tinubu pledged to dedicate himself to the service of the nation and Africa.
“Today, I stand before you, ready to dedicate my entire being to the service of our great nation and the African continent,” he vowed at a lecture organised as part of the activities marking his inauguration tomorrow.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who delivered the keynote address at the Inauguration lecture, asked Tinubu to waste no time in transiting from the mood of contesting an election to that of readiness to build a prosperous Nigeria for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political tendencies.
President Muhammadu Buhari vouched for the ability of his successor to deliver on the task Nigerians have placed before him.
Groups and well-wishers are already rolling out the drums in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in celebration of the Monday inauguration of the nation’s 16th president.
Tinubu, in his speech at the lecture, restated his commitment to the ideals of democracy as the best form of government.
“Democracy is more than a system of governance; it is the very lifeblood that empowers a nation to flourish and thrive,” he said.
“We stand at the precipice of a new era where the ideals of democracy will guide our path towards sustainable development.”
Tinubu while embracing his African identity reaffirmed his love for the continent.
He 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, emphasising that it transcends being a mere form of government. “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,” he said.
Stating the paradoxical nature of democracy, the President-elect noted that while it guarantees freedom, its survival hinges on responsible and measured use of that freedom, adding that democracy, as an ever-evolving concept, empowers the majority to express their will while safeguarding the fundamental interests of the minority.
“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,” Tinubu added.
Drawing insights from Nigeria’s national experience, he acknowledged the merits of democracy even in its imperfect manifestations, stressing that it surpasses the most perfect dictatorship in terms of justice, humanity, and productivity.
He pledged to utilise democratic institutions not only to safeguard political and civil rights but also to drive comprehensive economic reforms that engender broad-based prosperity, create employment opportunities, and unlock the nation’s untapped potential.
Speaking on the theme “Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development”, Kenyatta summed up the leadership crisis in Africa, not just Nigeria, using the experience of his time in his country’s governance, to negative ethnicity, religious intolerance and economic greed.
Kenyatta, who noted that while elections may divide the people, leadership must bring them together, encouraged Tinubu to surround himself with voices that challenge his own, and to reach out to those who may feel aggrieved in order to build a stronger nation together.
He said that as President, Tinubu must lead and unite all citizens, regardless of whether or not they supported him during the election process, and expressed his hope that Nigeria would emerge from this transition ready to take on the world stage.
Kenyatta said: “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.
“This will demand a complete overhaul of the adversarial mindset that we as politicians are conditioned to embrace during the electoral process.
“As President, you must learn very quickly to lead those who do not love you and those who love you with equal passion and commitment because you are now the father of all.
“When countries are in election mode, the people and its leaders are more divided than ever, and boxed into their various sectarian and partisan interests.
“However, when you are the head of state, and you take command of the country’s armed forces, you become the embodiment of the sum total of the many different ethnic groups, religions that make up your country, and you become the symbol of unity. Indeed, you become the face of Nigeria.
“I encourage you to surround yourself with the voices of those who will counterbalance the hardliners that feel entitled to a piece of your office, you will lose nothing and gain everything by reaching out across the political, ethnic and religious lines.
“To those who may feel aggrieved by your victory in one way or another, please allow them to exhale and be part of your vision for a greater Nigeria.
“It is my hope and my prayer that the lessons from across the continent will give you the resolve to walk the difficult path overcoming those three enemies.
“I started by mentioning the three enemies of nationhood: negative ethnicity, religious discrimination and corruption.
“As your fellow African, I look forward to a Nigeria that emerges from this transition, ready to flex and fight for its rightful place on the global stage with both hands at the ready.”
