In a powerful demonstration of continental solidarity and support for democratic transitions in Africa, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima joined a host of African leaders yesterday to witness the inauguration of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon.
The historic swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Stade de l’Amitié sino-gabonaise in the capital city of Libreville, marked the formal commencement of Nguema’s term as Gabon’s democratically elected president. Details from the swearing-in proceedings were contained in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
President Nguema clinched victory in the April 12 presidential polls, triumphing over seven other candidates in a contest that signaled the nation’s return to democratic rule. Nguema, who had served as interim leader for the past 20 months following the ouster of longtime President Ali Bongo was greeted by a jubilant crowd and an array of dignitaries as he pledged a renewed era of governance, youth empowerment, and national development.
In his inaugural address, President Nguema thanked the people of Gabon for their overwhelming support and promised to work tirelessly for the country’s progress. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to tackling pressing national issues, including insecurity, crime, and inadequate access to clean water.
“I am committed to leading a government that listens to its people, prioritizes security, and ensures that every Gabonese citizen can access the resources they need to thrive,” Nguema declared. He also underscored the importance of regional cooperation, urging peaceful coexistence among African nations and reaffirming his intent to collaborate closely with the United Nations in the interest of global peace and development.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the event, accompanied by Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, and Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President. The Nigerian delegation’s presence underscored the country’s ongoing commitment to supporting stable democratic transitions across Africa. The inauguration ceremony was a vibrant spectacle, featuring military parades, traditional music and dance, and displays of Gabon’s diverse cultural heritage. The colorful celebration symbolized a hopeful new chapter for the Central African nation.
Alongside Vice President Shettima, more than a dozen African heads of state and former leaders attended the ceremony, including President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, and President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. Other dignitaries included Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad, Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, and Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, among others.
