President Bola Tinubu might have replied critic asking why he intends to stop the nationwide protest when he participated in such events against past governments.
This comes amid reports of a planned youth-led nationwide demonstration over the pervasive economic hardship.
The protest is reportedly billed to commence on August 1.
Speaking while receiving a letter of credence from Richard Mille Jr., the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu stated that he actively participated in protests against the military regime in Nigeria, but emphasized that his involvement was non-violent.
President Tinubu highlighted his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, stating that he has consistently worked to preserve the country’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
”Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom,” Tinubu said.
“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.
”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 also told the US ambassador that Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa, adding that the continent needs a mutually beneficial partnership with the US.
On his part, Mills said the US will continue to support Nigeria’s democracy to survive.
Meanwhile, the federal government has appealed to those behind the protest to shelve the demonstration.
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