* But peaceful, he says * Warns against violence
By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja emphasized the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions, noting that protests, of which he also was part of in the past, are an integral part of democracy.
He however, warned that no government would condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.
The President spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja when he received Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr.
His remarks come amid growing concerns about the imminent nationwide protests being planned by some Nigerians to register their displeasure with the current economic challenges facing the country.
Addressing the American envoy, Tinubu 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.”
Tinubu also called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Nigeria’s strategic role as Africa’s largest democracy, assuring that ”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).
