President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, reiterated the importance of upholding democratic norms and institutions, asserting that while protests are an essential part of democracy, the government will not tolerate demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.
He made these remarks on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a ceremony to receive a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr.
”Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter,” President Tinubu stated.
”We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.”
Nigeria-US relations are quite strong and multifaceted, involving cooperation on economic, security, and development issues while also facing challenges that require ongoing engagement and support.
The U.S. is one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners. Key exports to the U.S. include crude oil and agricultural products.
The U.S. provides support to Nigeria in combating terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.
Against the background of recent moves by some Nigerians to organise nationwide protests against his administration, Tinubu highlighted his history of engaging in peaceful protests during the military era, emphasising the distinction between lawful demonstrations and those that lead to chaos.
”During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.
“We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy. In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” he said.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the U.S. State Department’s recognition of Nigeria’s strategic role as Africa’s largest democracy and called for increased U.S. engagement with Africa.
”Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides.
“We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow,” Tinubu noted.
In response, Ambassador Mills affirmed the United States’ support for Nigeria’s democratic journey and expressed commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.
”Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.
“I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” Ambassador Mills said.
