Former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Nigeria’s President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to work towards uniting Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and political affiliation.
The former leaders gave this charge on Saturday during the Inauguration Lecture at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
This was contained in the statement issued on Saturday by Tinubu’s media officer, Tunde Rahman.
Africa Today News, New York reports that the appeal is coming barely 48 hours before the swearing ceremony of the President-elect and his Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the popular Eagle Square in Abuja.
In his keynote address, Kenyatta pleaded with the incoming president of Nigeria to unite the country irrespective of ethnic, political, and religious cleavages that may exist.
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‘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.’
The outgoing president also 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.
He said, ‘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.’
On his part, the incoming president spoke extensively on the significance of democracy in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development.
The President-elect, who was represented by Shettima, used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to stand together with the incoming administration to birth a better country.