Former president Uhuru Kenyatta says tribalism, religion, and economic greed have been weaponized to the detriment of democratic growth in Africa.
He wants the continent to address the issues in earnest to begin to harness its mineral wealth, agricultural potential, and abundant human capital to propel the people’s well-being and strengthen the continent’s voice in the global community of Nations.
“I feel the three most fundamental issues that are easily weaponized to the detriment of our democratic growth. The first is negative ethnicity or tribalism, followed by religion, and lastly, economic greed,” Kenyatta said.
He made the remarks on Saturday, May 27, 2023, when he graced the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Lecture held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.
In his keynote address at the event, themed Deepening Democracy For Development, Kenyatta pointed out the importance of democracy in spurring development in any country, especially in the African Continent.
Kenyatta shared his experience as a head of state for two terms, where he acknowledged the successes, failures, and opportunities of embracing democracy, articulating the importance of getting to the root causes of conflict within the continent and our African countries for the continent’s development.
Kenyatta called on President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to unite all Nigerians irrespective of religion, tribe, political and other affiliations.
He further urged him to embrace the inclusivity of all parties for a better country.
“I speak to you as a brother and an elder statesman in leadership. The contest is now over, and the hard work of building a prosperous and unified Nigeria begins,” he said.
“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 from reaching out across political, ethnic, and religious lines to those who may feel aggrieved by your victory in one way or another. Allow them to exhale and to be a part of your vision for a greater Nigeria.”
The outgoing President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who also attended the ceremony, noted that democracy was not merely a system of governance but a way of life that requires active participation, inclusivity, and relentless pursuit of justice and fairness.
Also present was Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, and Deputy Speaker of the Nigeria National Assembly, Ahmed Idris, among other dignitaries.
The Inaugural Lecture organized by the Nigeria Presidential transition council aims to bridge the divisions prevalent in Nigerian society, foster dialogue, and promote collective responsibility toward national development.
The Presidential Inauguration Lecture is part of the activities organized to commemorate Nigeria’s seventh consecutive civilian transition.
