Government Stance: Destructive Protests Will Not Be Condoned

President Bola Tinubu emphasized the significance of upholding democratic norms and institutions during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday. While acknowledging that protests are a fundamental aspect of democracy, he stressed that no government would tolerate demonstrations that result in the destruction of lives and property.

The President made these remarks while receiving the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr.

“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,” President Tinubu said. “We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s past, he noted, “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. While 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 recognition of Nigeria’s strategic role as Africa’s largest democracy, President Tinubu called for greater U.S. engagement with 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,” he said.

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 ensure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” he said.

Additionally, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expand cooperation on 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.

To the Malaysian High Commissioner, President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s aim to improve trade balance. “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. He also acknowledged the attraction for Nigerian students to study in Malaysia and their potential contributions to Nigeria’s critical sectors like agriculture and ICT.

Mr. Aiyub Bin Omar expressed Malaysia’s intent to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in education and financial services, ahead of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2025.

During his meeting with the Botswana High Commissioner, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop robust cultural and economic ties with Botswana. He highlighted Botswana’s advancements in livestock development and shared Nigeria’s plans to establish a ministry of livestock development. “The committee is at work, and their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa’s solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,” he said.

High Commissioner Kereng shared Botswana’s commitment to leading in livestock vaccine production and partnering with Nigeria. She also expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, emphasizing the potential for Botswana’s youth to learn from Nigeria’s vibrant creative economy. “My coming to Nigeria fulfills my President’s vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,” she said.