Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday departed Abuja for Libreville, Gabon, where he is representing Nigeria at the inauguration of President-elect Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. His trip, made at the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering democratic governance and stability across the African continent, particularly within the Central African subregion.
Nguema, a former general who led the coup that ended the 55-year Bongo family dynasty in August 2023, has since presided over Gabon as an interim leader. His transition to an elected president was sealed with a landslide victory in the April 12 presidential polls, where he reportedly secured nearly 95 percent of the vote.
The inauguration ceremony, taking place in a 40,000-capacity stadium north of Libreville, is expected to draw a significant crowd, including several African heads of state. Notable among them are President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Equatorial Guinea’s long-serving leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
According to a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Vice President Shettima’s presence reflects Nigeria’s unwavering support for Gabon’s peaceful democratic transition.
He is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration ceremonies.
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