The United States Consul General in Nigeria, Will Stevens, has observed that the increasing occurrence of military coups in Africa is primarily due to leaders on the continent unwilling to relinquish power after their tenure in office.
Stevens expressed concerns about the challenges Africa is currently facing, such as climate change and food insecurity. He emphasized that democratic stability is crucial in addressing these issues effectively.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Recycling Waste to Wealth Challenge’ competition for secondary school students, held at the Abeokuta Window on America in the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Consul General shared his views.
The programme, a US Government-supported enterprise competition for students in vocational and technical colleges in Ogun State, aims to promote recycling and innovation.
In his remarks, Stevens stressed the importance of African leaders embracing the core principles of democracy, particularly the orderly and peaceful transfer of power.
He cited Nigeria as an example, highlighting the country’s 25 years of uninterrupted peaceful democratic transition. Stevens urged other African nations to learn from Nigeria’s positive example.
Stevens stated, “(Olusegun) Obasanjo served two terms and left power, setting the precedent in Nigeria that leaders should serve and then step aside for their successors. Nigeria has enjoyed 25 years of presidential succession, and President Buhari recently followed suit.”
He further asserted, “There are Presidents in neighboring countries who have held power for extended periods, ranging from 20 to 40 years. This hinders democratic stability and paves the way for coups.”
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