President Bola Tinubu has underscored ethical leadership and robust institutions as the foundation for peace, justice, and sustainable development, warning that political polarisation and misinformation pose significant threats to global stability.
Speaking at the Global Council for Political Renewal (GCPR) Conference in Cape Town on Friday, where he was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, President Tinubu stressed that responsible political conduct is indispensable in today’s divided and fast-changing world.
“We are living in a time of deep political and ideological polarisation, where misinformation spreads faster than truth.
“The challenge before us is how to protect free expression while restoring responsibility, civility, and trust in public discourse, ” he said.
Outlining Nigeria’s approach to good governance, institutional reforms, and human rights, President Tinubu highlighted the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises transparency, accountability, and institutional efficiency.
“Public office is a trust,” he said.
“Our reforms are focused on modernising institutions, reducing leakages, and ensuring governance decisions improve the daily lives of citizens.”
The President stressed that political renewal is a continuous process rather than a one-time event.
“Political renewal is not a single event. It is a continuous effort to build institutions, protect democratic space, and deliver real value to the people,” he remarked.
Domestically, he pointed to people-centred social and economic interventions, youth-focused policies, and measures to promote responsible use of technology, including digital platforms.
On the international stage, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the founding ideals of the GCPR, emphasizing dialogue, justice, and peace among nations.
“No country is immune to these pressures,” he said, noting that international cooperation is essential amid global economic uncertainty and security challenges.
He added that Nigeria is ready to contribute to a global roadmap for ethics, justice, peace, and development, leveraging its experience as a diverse democracy committed to unity and inclusion.
The conference drew several dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini and GCPR President, Russell Mmiso Dlamini; GCPR Secretary-General, Furio Honsell; President of East Timor, José Ramos-Horta; and the President of the National Assembly of the Central African Republic, Simplice Mathew Sarandji, among others.
