Some Nigerians have reacted after Governor-General Errol Charles laid a sword on President Bola Tinubu shoulder, and conferred him with Saint Lucia’s highest national honour, the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL).
The honour was given in recognition of Tinubu’s efforts to deepen historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
Reacting on social media platforms, some Nigerians said this event reflects the opportunity they have been waiting for to finally be free. Their comments reflect widespread frustration with the state of the nation, as many continue to face economic hardship and insecurity, with some saying they want Tinubu out of Aso Rock as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the investiture ceremony took place on Monday evening at the Government House in Morne Fortune, where Governor-General Errol Charles officially decorated President Tinubu during a state reception held in his honour, according to a statement released Tuesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
With the knighthood, Tinubu will now be formally addressed as:
Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, KCOSL (Hon.), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu said he was deeply humbled by the honour and promised to work more closely with Saint Lucia and other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to build bridges across the Atlantic.
“I am greatly honoured, on behalf of my country and nearly 220 million Nigerians. I came here as a president, but I’m leaving as a knight,” Tinubu declared to resounding applause.
“This is more than a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our shared history and a commitment to a future of mutual cooperation, prosperity, and unity.”
President Tinubu described the honour as “thrilling and exciting,” and praised the people of Saint Lucia for their warm welcome and generosity.
“It cannot be more thrilling, more exciting, and more welcoming than this. You are great people. I thank the Prime Minister and His Excellency the Governor-General for seeing me worthy of this honour,” he said.
Earlier that day, Tinubu addressed the Saint Lucian Parliament, stressing the need for stronger cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean in areas such as trade, climate resilience, education, healthcare, and culture.
“I made some promises to enhance our connectivity and business opportunities, foster creativity in our future together, and help us overcome the legacy of our forebears’ years of separation,” he said.
“We must resume cultural exchanges and believe in economic development as a shared responsibility.”
In his remarks, Governor-General Errol Charles described Tinubu’s visit and investiture as “historic,” emphasizing its symbolic meaning for Saint Lucians many of whom trace their ancestry to Africa.
“Today is a historic occasion for us, particularly for our many Saint Lucian brothers and sisters whose ancestors were torn from their tribal homelands in Africa and brought to these shores centuries ago,” Governor-General Charles said.
“The honour affirms your leadership in Africa and acknowledges your efforts to reconnect and unify our peoples.”
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre also praised the Nigerian President for accepting the honour and strengthening the bond between Saint Lucia, the OECS, and Africa.
“For Saint Lucia and the OECS, part of our heritage lies in Africa, and we are proud of it. We want to develop it and ensure that our people get closer together,” Pierre said.
“Africa and the Caribbean can be one and must be one. We are just eight hours apart. Let us build the links that unite our people and our destinies.”
In closing, President Tinubu highlighted the hardworking nature of African and Caribbean peoples, saying they are capable of success when given the right opportunities.
“The black race is not lazy. We are hardworking and honest people. Given the opportunity, we can excel. We have no cause to regret and every reason to celebrate life, opportunity, and excellence,” he said.
“Nigeria is a country of industrious people great in agriculture, trade, and democracy. That is the spirit we must share across the ocean.”
