Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Libreville, Gabon, to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as President of Gabon.
According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima travelled on Saturday on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
Nguema, who served as Gabon’s transitional leader following a military coup in August 2023, officially assumes the presidency after winning the April 12 election with nearly 95 percent of the vote. The swearing-in ceremony is being held at a 40,000-seat stadium north of Libreville, with numerous African leaders in attendance.
“Nigeria remains supportive of the peaceful democratic transition in Gabon and reaffirms the government’s broader strategic interest in promoting democratic governance and regional stability in Central Africa.
“The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration,” the statement added.
The inauguration marks a new political chapter for Gabon, ending over five decades of Bongo family rule.
Among the leaders attending are Presidents Adama Barrow of Gambia, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.
Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after the ceremony.
What you should know
Brice Oligui Nguema, a former junta leader, led a coup in August 2023 that ousted Ali Bongo and ended the Bongo family’s 55-year rule.
His inauguration as a democratically elected president marks the conclusion of a 19-month transitional period and is seen as a significant moment for Gabon’s political reformation and regional diplomacy in Central Africa.
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