Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that he departed Abuja for Libreville, Gabon, on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to represent Nigeria at the inauguration ceremony of Gabon’s President-elect, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
In a statement issued before his departure, Shettima confirmed his mission, stating, “At the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I departed Abuja for Libreville, Gabon, to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of the country’s President-elect, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.”
The visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with African nations and supporting democratic transitions across the continent. General Brice Oligui Nguema, a former head of the Republican Guard, emerged as the transitional president following a coup in August 2023 that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba. His swearing-in marks a significant step in Gabon’s evolving political landscape.
Nigeria’s presence at the event signals the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy focus on regional stability, solidarity, and democratic cooperation. Vice President Shettima is expected to use the occasion to engage with other African leaders present at the ceremony, fostering dialogue on shared regional concerns including security, economic cooperation, and governance.
Shettima’s participation in the inauguration also reflects Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, both of which have been closely monitoring political developments across Central and West Africa.
