President Bola Tinubu has warned that if caution is not exercised, democracy without access to food is a breeding ground for what would engulf the populace.
Prior to the UN General Assembly, the President held a lengthy bilateral meeting with Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in New York City as part of his diplomatic efforts for economic development and investment promotion.
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President Tinubu asserted that Africa must have a consensus view that the hundreds of billions of dollars spent through International Development Finance Institutions over the years must meet the specific needs of developing democracies in Africa, even if it is done with exclusive regard for their own enlightened self-interest.
The President said, “During the end of the Second World War, the Marshall Plan was established for the reconstruction and economic restoration of European nations through Bretton Woods institutions. Where has this presence been for Africa?
“We have to be careful not to replace the broken shackle of yesterday with a new set of shackles. You cannot have a stable democracy in the presence of poverty of knowledge and a starvation of people.
“Democracy without food on the table is a breeding ground for what will consume us, if care is not taken. We must join hands and agree that International Finance Institutions require reform as Africa is not to be a ground for economic scavenging any longer, but it is a place with gifted people that is ready for investment and cooperation.
“We have all the human and natural resources required between our nations. We can collaborate in a mutually beneficial way that enriches our populations.”
