Tinubu: “I engaged in protests peacefully, without violence”
President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged taking part in a variety of peaceful protests.
This was stated by the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja upon receiving a Letter of Credence from Mr. Richard Mills Jr., the recently appointed US Ambassador to Nigeria.
He underlined how crucial it is to protect democracy and its institutions, pointing out that while protests are an essential component of democracy, no government will support rallies that result in the loss of life or property.
The President 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.”
The President said in as much as he believes that demonstrations are part of democracy, “we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property”.
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.
“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,” the President said.
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).
Aiyub Bin Omar, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, and Ms. Phild Nani Kereng, the High Commissioner of Botswana, had earlier presented President Tinubu with Letters of Credence.
President Tinubu assured Malaysia’s High Commissioner that Nigeria will endeavour to enhance the trade balance between the two nations.
“Diversification of the economy is uppermost on my Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria. We must look at how we can improve the balance of trade with Malaysia,” the President said.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
