President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged participating in various protests, emphasizing that his involvement was always non-violent.
He made this remark while receiving the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu stressed the importance of preserving democracy and its institutions, noting that protests are a fundamental part of democracy. However, he stated that no government would tolerate demonstrations that result in the destruction of lives and property.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He reflected on his past involvement in peaceful protests during the military era, highlighting the need to uphold 25 years of unbroken democracy. “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.”
While he affirmed that demonstrations are part of democracy, he reiterated that the government would never support protests that lead to violence or destruction.
Tinubu welcomed the U.S. State Department’s recognition of Nigeria’s strategic role as Africa’s largest democracy and called for greater U.S. attention to Africa. “Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation by other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that benefits 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 to support Nigeria’s larger role on the international stage. “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,” Mills said.
He also announced the creation of a special office at the Embassy to collaborate closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle cybercrimes.
Earlier, President Tinubu 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.
Tinubu assured the Malaysian High Commissioner that Nigeria would work towards improving trade balance between the two countries. “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,” he said.
The Malaysian High Commissioner expressed eagerness to strengthen relations with Nigeria ahead of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2025.
