By Mercy Peter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that ethical leadership and strong, accountable institutions remain the surest path to achieving peace, justice and sustainable development across nations.
Speaking at the Global Council for Political Renewal (GCPR) Conference in Cape Town, Bola Ahmed Tinubu warned that the world is grappling with deep political and ideological divisions fueled by misinformation and declining trust in public institutions.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed that ethical political conduct is no longer optional in an increasingly polarized and fast-changing global environment.
Presenting Nigeria’s position on governance, institutional reforms and human rights, President Tinubu outlined key elements of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is anchored on strengthening transparency, reducing leakages in public finance, and improving institutional performance. According to him, governance must translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
He said: “We are living in a time of deep political and ideological polarisation, where misinformation spreads faster than truth,” he said. “The challenge before us is how to protect free expression while restoring responsibility, civility and trust in public discourse.
“Public office is a trust,” the President stated. “Our reforms are focused on modernising institutions, reducing leakages, and ensuring that governance decisions improve the daily lives of citizens.
“Political renewal is not a single event,” he noted. “It is a continuous effort to build institutions, protect democratic space, and deliver real value to the people.”
Tinubu pointed to people-centred social and economic interventions, youth-focused policies, and measures to guide the responsible use of technology and digital platforms. He emphasized that political renewal requires sustained commitment rather than one-off interventions.
Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the founding ideals of the GCPR, which promotes dialogue, justice and peace among nations. He underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing global economic instability and rising security concerns, stressing that no country is immune to current global pressures.
“No country is immune to these pressures,” he said, adding that sustained dialogue and partnership remain essential pillars for global stability.
He further expressed readiness to contribute to the development of a global roadmap on ethics, justice, peace and development, drawing on Nigeria’s experience as a diverse and plural democracy committed to unity and inclusion.
