President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the importance of sustaining democratic norms, and institutions, noting that protests are an integral part of democracy, but that no government will condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.
The President spoke at the Presidential Villa when he received Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr.
He said “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.
“We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.
“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,” the President stated.
Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, President Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.
The President further said “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”.
Ambassador Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy, and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.
“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.
Expressing the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Mr. Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms. Phild Nani Kereng.
President Tinubu told the High Commissioner of Malaysia that Nigeria would work towards improving the balance of trade between the two countries.
President Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerian students find studying in Malaysia attractive, adding that Nigeria looks forward to their contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.
The Malaysian High Commissioner said that ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, Malaysia is looking forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.
In his audience with the Botswana High Commissioner, the President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop a robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.
Acknowledging Botswana’s progress on livestock development, the President said he had received briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.
“The committee is at work, and their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa’s solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,” the President said.
President Tinubu described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.
High Commissioner Kereng said Botswana is committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and is prepared to partner Nigeria in this area.
She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria’s youth-driven creative economy.
Related posts:
Airforce emphasises importance of Corp members’ medical welfare
Ogun gov. Abiodun celebrates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir, emphasises importance of compassion
Democracy Day Message from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of 2021 Democracy Day Celebration
Osinbajo receives ambassador of Israel
Tinubu condemns Kaduna communal clash, emphasizes importance of peaceful co-existence
Vice President Osinbajo harps on importance of Carbon Market
Masari re-emphasises community approach to overcome insecurity
Ondo GOC emphasises need for better synergy among security agencies
