I’ll prioritise assisting poor Nigerians, reform institutions, Tinubu tells Blinken

Tinubu mentioned this during a phone conversation initiated by the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, a statement by the president-elect said.

The former Lagos State governor pledged to work to ensure continued positive relations with the USA and promised to hit the ground running and unify the nation upon his assumption of office on Monday, May 29.

Tinubu said during the discussion with Blinken, he recalled how the US had granted him asylum after he was forced into exile by the military junta of the late General Sani Abacha because of his tenacious struggle for democracy in Nigeria.

Nonetheless, Tinunu reaffirmed his democratic bona fides and acknowledged that he believed that the results of the 2023 presidential elections reflected the will of the Nigerian people.

He additionally expressed his determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and faithfully serve the people as their president noting that he would work to unite the nation and ensure that Nigerians are completely happy and enjoy the benefits of democracy and progressive good governance.

The President-elect added that without national unity, security, economic development, and good governance, Nigeria wouldn’t become a better place to dwell or play its proper role in the community of African nations.

He urged the US to factor in Nigeria’s important place in Africa and provide needed assistance in the areas of security and economic investment for the nation to pave the way and be a shining example to the rest of the continent.

Secretary Blinken, however, assured Nigeria that it should expect a good and mutually beneficial relationship with the US and promised to play its part in bringing a sustained and cordial relationship between the two nations to fruition.

Blinken additionally noted {that a} democratic and peaceful Nigeria is as important to the United States as it is to Africa.