President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja emphasized the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and 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 spoke at the Presidential Villa when he received a 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.

”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,” the President stated.

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.

God1000:
Be careful Mr president, Nigerians have every right to protest, I don't support destruction of property but this protest must hold

Ola9ja23:


What if the protest degenerate into violence and vandalism of properties as well as arsonist looting shops? Would you be there to face the wrath of law with your lives ?


For every action there must be consequences

yarimo:
Any distruction or stealing security should use live bullet on any rascal criminal

Ola9ja23:


What if the protest degenerate into violence and vandalism of properties as well as arsonist looting shops? Would you be there to face the wrath of law with your lives ?


For every action there must be consequences

God1000:
Be careful Mr president, Nigerians have every right to protest, I don't support the destruction of government property but this protest must hold.

The people of this country have given you ample of time to turn things around for good but it's keeps getting worse by the day, kindly resign if you are not capable of ruling this country.

You and your security chiefs will be held accountable for any loss of human life

wchiturn:
Is he threatening protesters ahead??

BeeBeeOoh:

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja emphasized the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and 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.

opamoses1:
He did not say people don't have the right to protest. What he said. But anyone that gets mixed up among the looting or vandalization crew would have his or herself to blame.

BeeBeeOoh:


https://dailypost.ng/2024/07/25/protest-no-govt-will-condone-destructive-tendencies-president-tinubu/

yarimo:
Any distruction or stealing security should use live bullet on any rascal criminal