Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi has urged African leaders to build stronger political foundations that will push for the growth of democracy and economic power in the continent.
Speaking in Nigeria, Mudavadi said it is high time African leaders seize opportunities presented by the changing global dynamics to promote constitutionalism, progressive democracy and fidelity to the rule of law.
“The tenets of democracy call for fidelity to the rule of law and adhering to the set guidelines stipulated under the constitution. African leaders should rise to the occasion and be an example of leaders who mean well for their people by applying what is right at all times,” he said.
Mudavadi was representing President William Ruto at the inauguration of Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He added that with the tough economic times being witnessed globally, African countries have found themselves in a precarious situation.
This, he said, calls for political stability, peace and a sustainable democratic space, if African countries are to build a new economic frontier for growth.
Mudavadi lobbied for enhanced bilateral collaboration between Kenya and Nigeria.
The PCS said Kenya and Nigeria have recently had extensive discussions on key areas of interest that will benefit citizens of not only both countries but also the continent.
“We have signed quite a number of agreements including one that establishes a joint commission for cooperation dating back to 2013, one on cooperation in immigration matters signed in May 2014, and many more,” Mudavadi said.
He insisted that there lies a huge potential if some of the agreements can be fully actualised, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, the Bilateral Trade Agreement of 2014 and the MoU on a Five-Year multiple entry VISA for prominent business persons.
“Establishing a joint trade and investment committee as envisaged in the Bilateral Trade Agreement of 2014 is one of the areas we need to quickly operationalize. This will be a key starting point that will open critical areas of discussion and shape collaboration ties for Kenya and Nigeria.”
During the bilateral talks held on the sidelines of Tinubu's swearing-in, the transport connectivity issue between Kenya and Nigeria was also deliberated upon.
“Kenya is committed to continuous collaboration with Nigeria on bilateral, trade and diplomatic ties across many sectors ranging from agriculture, technology, renewable energy and the service industry,” said Mudavadi.
