Govt won’t encourage violent protest, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration will uphold democratic principles, including the right to protest, but will not condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.

“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,” Tinubu stated when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the exchange at the ceremony in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu receives U.S. ambassador, underscores the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions.’

Tinubu said this on the backdrop of growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for August 1, 2024.

The President said, “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.”

He also described Nigeria-US relations as “rich,” committing to uphold democracy.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu welcomed the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, calling on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.

He said, “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.”

On his part, Mills affirmed the 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,” Mills said.

The Ambassador also expressed the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, announcing the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Earlier, President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria,  Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms. Phild Nani Kereng.

He told the High Commissioner of Malaysia that Nigeria would work towards improving the balance of trade between the two countries.

“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,” the President said.

Tinubu also acknowledged that many Nigerian students find studying in Malaysia attractive, adding that Nigeria looks forward to their contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.

The Malaysian High Commissioner said that ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, Malaysia is looking forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.

“We are pleased with our cooperation in the areas of education. We are also keen on working with Nigerian partners in the financial services sector,” the High Commissioner said.

In his audience with the Botswana High Commissioner, the President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.

Acknowledging Botswana’s progress on livestock development, the President said he had received a briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.

Kereng said Botswana is committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and is prepared to partner with Nigeria in this area.

She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria’s youth-driven creative economy.

“My coming to Nigeria fulfils my President’s vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,” said Kereng.

The protests, organised under the hashtag ‘#EndBadGovernancein Nigeria,’ have gained significant traction on social media, with no group officially claiming responsibility.