President Bola Tinubu affirmed on Thursday that protests are an integral part of democracy but that no government will condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.
Speaking when he received the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr., at the presidential villa in Abuja, he acknowledged that he was one of those who made their voices heard through peaceful protests for democracy without destroying properties.
Emphasising the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms, and its institutions, the president said, ”Our relationship with America is rich.
“We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition, 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.”
Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgment 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 by 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.
