US Cautions Nigerians against Losing Hope in Democracy

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United States has advised Nigerians against losing hope in democracy, insisting that it is not a steady state, but a continuous process that requires focus, dedication, and determination.

Speaking at the commemorations of the 247th Independence Day of the United States of America, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States’ Mission in Nigeria, David Greene, noted that Nigeria’s recent elections showcased the contradictions inherent in democracy.

He said: “As large, diverse democracies, the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria share many of these principles: in the content of our constitutions, in the forms of our institutions, in citizens’ relationships to their governments, and in our daily lives. Our struggles for independence – while centuries and continents apart – shared the common vision of nations governed by their citizens, for the welfare of those citizens.

“We can acknowledge that achieving that vision has been a bumpy road, for both our nations. We have had to work hard to preserve democratic principles and values, sometimes in the face of strong headwinds, or even storms.  Yet we persevere.  

“Nigeria’s recent elections showcased the contradictions inherent in democracy, at once highlighting this nation’s commitment to the democratic system even as many voters were frustrated by the process. We in the United States know as well as any, that democracy is not a steady state, but a continuous process that requires focus, dedication, and determination.”

He added that: “So even as the United States works to ensure our own nation remains true to the ideals of its founding, we seek to partner with friends and allies in strengthening their democratic institutions as well. In recognition of this important, common task, President Biden hosted, on the margins of December’s African Leaders Summit, a session focused on elections – attended by former President Buhari – to highlight this critical moment when democracy needs to be renewed and defended globally.

“Beyond the history and abstract principles, I want to speak to our shared commitment to the practical work of any democracy – helping citizens live prosperous, secure, and healthy lives. As President Biden has said, ‘Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs’.  And the United States is Nigeria’s partner in making it possible to deliver.”

The envoy stated that: “Prosperity demands a stable economy in which businesses can succeed and in which citizens can aspire to leave their children better off. So the United States partners with Nigerian entrepreneurs in agriculture, health, information technology, and renewable energy – to name just a few sectors – to help expand small and medium-sized businesses.  We know that the success of a business is dependent on reliable energy infrastructure; so the United States has helped bring electricity to over three million homes and businesses – so far, with the number to grow in the future.”

He however admitted that “economic opportunity by itself is not enough; citizens need security. In this area, too, the United States and Nigeria are working together closely. Through robust military-to-military ties, police training, and judicial cooperation, by way of examples, the United States is partnering with Nigeria to bolster its security capabilities, to combat terrorism, violent crime, and corruption.”

Greene said: “In short, across every sector you can think of, the great federal republics of the United States and Nigeria have long been working together to improve the lives of both of our peoples.  And we look forward to partnering with President Tinubu’s Administration to ensure that the Nigerian people’s vision for their country is realised – by strengthening Nigerian institutions and helping, in the words of the Nigerian National anthem, ‘build a nation where peace and justice shall reign’,”

He recalled that President Biden said, on the occasion of President Tinubu’s inauguration, “As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success.”  Stressing that: “I, and my whole team here and in Lagos, look forward to working with all of you towards that success.”

Gracing the event that was held on Thursday night were prominent people from all sectors including those in government and diplomatic corps, among them are the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.