Former South African President and Head of Commonwealth Observer Mission to Nigeria, Dr. Thabo Mbeki, has urged the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, not to forget the African continent when he assumes office.

Mbeki, who noted that the 2023 elections were fair and credible, enjoined Tinubu to make the entire African continent his compass when he takes over the reins of government.

The former President said this when he visited the President-elect on the completion of the Commonwealth Observer Mission in Abuja on Thursday.

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He said: “Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a big economy. Whatever happens here sets the pace for the rest of Africa.

“We need a strong Nigerian presidency that will also focus on the African region.

“Your opponent will be looking for a smallest thing to throw stones. That is the way of democracy.

“Please Mr President, don’t be far from us,” Mbeki said.

On his part, Tinubu assured the former South African President of his commitment to further African integration and economic development, promising to work with Mbeki and other leaders of the continent in this direction.

The Star