President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said he had participated in different protests but without violence.
He spoke when he received Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr. at the Presidential Villa in Abuja,
Tinubu spoke in wake of the looming nationwide protest slated for August 1 over rising economic hardship in the country.
He emphasized the importance of sustaining democracy and its 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 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.
