Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press – Nigeria. Nigerian Presidential election conducted on 25th February this year (2023) produced the former Lagos State governor Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the new President of Nigeria.
Tinubu was inaugurated as the 16th leader of the Africa’s must populous country on the 29th May as the tenure of his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari ends.
It is reported that among the world leaders that congratulated the new President is the United States of America’s President Joe Biden through his Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Background of Nigeria US relations since 1960
Bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States of America were formally inaugurated when Nigeria attained its independence from Britain in 1960.
With the establishment of US embassy in Lagos on 1st October 1060. The two countries continue to be best strategic partners especially with regard to oil business.
To cement the bilateral tie Nigeria’s first Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa paid the first state Visit to Washington in 1961.
US expressed readiness to strengthen ties with Nigeria under Tinubu
US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said he was committed to further strengthen US-Nigeria partnership with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
US department of state spokesperson, Matthew Miller, who disclosed this in a statement. He said Blinken spoke with Tinubu on Telephone who was in France at that time about two weeks before his inauguration as new President of Nigeria.
Miller said the two leaders discussed the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians, continued comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth.
The statemernt read: “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke this morning with Nigerian President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emphasize his continued commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration.
“The secretary noted that the U.S.-Nigeria partnership is built on shared interests and strong people-to-people ties and that those links should continue to strengthen under President-elect, Tinubu’s tenure.
”Secretary Blinken and President-elect, Tinubu, discussed the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians, continued comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth.” Miller said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, promised to hit the ground running and unify the country.
“Asíwájú Tinubu spoke during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Initiated by the US diplomat, the telephone discussion, which was frank and friendly, took place on Tuesday evening.
“The President-elect said his immediate priorities would be to deliver institutional reforms and development programs to deepen our democratic institutions and bring help to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
“He also expressed his determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and faithfully serve the people as their president.
“During the talks that lasted about 20 minutes, President-elect Tinubu recalled being granted asylum by the US when he was forced on exile during his struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, and, while reaffirming his democratic bona fides, expressed his absolute belief that the result of the elections, which he clearly won, reflected the will of the Nigerian people.
“He further urged the US to factor in Nigeria’s important place in Africa and provide needed assistance in the areas of security and economic investment in order for the nation to lead the way and be a shining example to the rest of the continent.
“Secretary Blinken assured that Nigeria should expect a good and mutually-beneficial relationship with the US.
“He promised to play his part in ensuring and sustaining a cordial relationship between the two nations, saying a democratic and peaceful Nigeria is important to the United States as it is to Africa.
“Both President-elect Tinubu and Secretary Blinken ended their discussion with pleasant greetings and a promise to keep the channels of dialogue and communication open, whilst maintaining a strong relationship between the two nations.” Tunde said.
US delegates attended Tinubu’s Inauguration on 29th May
By sending a delegation to attend the new Nigerian President inauguration on 29th May was another indication that the two countries will continue to enjoy cordial relations.
The delegation was led by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge.
Members include Mr. David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Abuja; The Honorable Sydney Kamlager-Dove, United States Representative (D), California; The Honorable Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce; General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command; and The Honorable Enoh T.
Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Others are The Honorable Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State; The Honorable Judd Devermont, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council and The Honorable Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development.
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