President Bola Tinubu said on Wednesday that he is committed to changing the idea that Nigeria doesn't have the right leadership for long-lasting progress.
So, he mentioned that his government is dedicated to following democratic principles and building strong connections with established democracies worldwide.
The President said he was committed to making sure the rule of law is followed and to speed up the ongoing provision of good governance, justice, and fairness to all Nigerians.
Tinubu said these things when he welcomed a group from the United States Congress led by Senator Cory Booker at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
“Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, had suffered leadership elephantiasis years back. I am determined to change that,” he said
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, shared details of Wednesday’s discussions in a statement called ‘President Tinubu receives United States congressional delegation, says Nigeria is prepared to expedite sustainable development in collaboration with partners.’
“The President said he is determined to make sure the rule of law is followed and to speed up the ongoing provision of good governance, justice, and fairness to all Nigerians.
“Following the principles of democracy and the rule of law is very important to us. I wonder how democracy will survive if we do not fight for it. I fought for this democracy. I risked my life for it.
“Military truncation of democracy is unacceptable. The power of our citizens is and must remain supreme,” the President said.
According to Tinubu, while democracy must be defended, it must result in tangible benefits such as quality healthcare, good education, food security, shelter, and overall economic prosperity for the people of Nigeria.
Therefore, he told Senator Booker that Nigeria is an important partner for upholding democracy in Africa and beyond, noting that as the continent’s biggest economy and largest democracy, Nigeria is well-placed to set the best continental example by providing good governance to its people.
Stressing the need for the United States to develop a more careful and practical partnership with Africa, the president told the U.S. Congressional delegation that the United States should consider increasing important development programs to strengthen connections with the continent.
“It is important for our partners to help strengthen democracy in Africa. Our developmental programs need serious capital.
“We are not asking for handouts. All we are asking for is understanding. After the Second World War, Europe was impacted. America developed and executed the Marshall Plan to bring them back up.
“Today, Europe is standing firm and tall as a result. What about a Marshall plan for Africa?” he asked.
The President repeated his argument at the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Nairobi, Kenya, in July 2023, stating that the forces that exploited Africa in the past and are still trying to hinder its progress today will not find it easy to make advances into the continent.
Tinubu once said that Africa is now strong and its leaders are no longer passive as they work to use their vast resources to improve their respective countries.
He asked the US Congressional delegation, “How can we be classified and put into IMF’s category of trickle-down effects?
“We are fortunate in Africa, but these same resources are causing conflicts due to exploitation and lack of harmony.
“The presence of resources doesn't improve the living conditions of the people. We shouldn't use old methods to solve present challenges. No one wants to risk their life to flee from Africa.
So, he urged the United States to address the underlying causes of democratic unrest in Africa through strategic support rather than aid.
He stated, “America needs to examine the situation in Africa carefully. What's happening in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger comes from a feeling of helplessness because they're not being helped economically.
“They realize that their former colonial rulers are still trying to exploit them. We have mineral resources.
“What technology can you provide to help turn that into economic success? Can you establish risk-reducing finance to encourage John Deere to help us greatly mechanize our food production processes? There's so much we can do to advance education.
Tinubu urged the US to view Africa as an essential partner for sustaining democracy, saying, “We are capable and willing to lift our own people out of poverty.
Senator Booker earlier described President Tinubu as a forward-thinking leader who made tough but necessary decisions for the benefit of Nigerians.
“You are a leader of a specific type. You have the courage to do very difficult things, right at the start of your term.
“Something that many American leaders should emulate; someone who has so much faith in their people that they can make tough decisions and trust that their country is strong and resilient enough to withstand them and emerge even stronger on the other side,” the US lawmaker said.
Booker pointed out that Nigeria and the United States share values of democracy, rule of law, and commitment to peace and good governance.
He stated, “I am enthusiastic about deepening the partnership between Nigeria and the United States. We know in America that there is no greater or more important partner for the United States on the African continent than its biggest country, its biggest democracy, and its biggest economy.
“I am excited about the opportunity we have had to learn, to listen, to meet these remarkable people in your community who share our common values of democracy, entrepreneurship, and commitment to peace and substantial growth.
“We realize that the investments we make in this country in different sectors, and our collaboration on security and counter-terrorism, are not only for Nigeria’s benefit but for the benefit of both our countries.”
Booker mentioned that he can understand President Tinubu’s reform efforts because he served as the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, for years.
“I understand the challenges I faced in improving one of America’s poorest and most troubled big cities. Several previous Newark Mayors were implicated in corruption.
“I had to bring back hope and confidence. I had to persuade investors to come and believe in our city. We persevered and we succeeded. Newark is very different now.
“I see many similarities between the successful transformation I led and the initiatives you are taking to improve Nigeria. You have a partner in the United States,” he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, pointed out a resolution of the U.S. House of Representatives that wants to classify Nigeria as a country of concern due to allegations of religious intolerance.
“Urge them (the House) to consider, Nigeria has a constitution that gives great importance to the rights of all citizens.
“No government would support anything that goes against the provisions of the constitution,” the Minister said.
In response, U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs noted that there is a strong agreement in the U.S. House of Representatives and the White House not to include Nigeria again in the list of countries of concern.
