Mbeki visits Tinubu, says Africa needs strong Nigerian presidency

Former South African president and Head of Commonwealth Observer Mission to Nigeria, Dr. Thabo Mbeki, has urged the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, not to forget the African continent when he assumes office.

Mbeki spoke on Thursday when he visited the president-elect in his Abuja residence on the completion of the Commonwealth Observer Mission, according to a statement by Tinubu’s Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, on Friday.

Mbeki, who noted that the election was fair and credible, asked Tinubu to make the entire African continent his compass when he takes over the reins of government.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a big economy. Whatever happens here sets the pace for the rest of Africa.

“We need a strong Nigerian presidency that will also focus on the African region,” he said.

“Your opponent will be looking for the smallest thing to throw stones. That is the way of democracy,” he added.

Responding, the president-elect assured the former South African president of his commitment to further African integration and economic development.

He also promised to work with Mbeki and other leaders of the continent to ensure Africa’s development .

“Please Mr.President, don’t be far from us,” Tinubu told Mbeki