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President Joe Biden of the United States of America has graciously extended an invitation to President Bola Tinubu for a meaningful discussion.
According to a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ambassador Molly Phee, the US Presidential Envoy, and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, conveyed the following information during their meeting with the Nigerian leader on Saturday.
Phee communicated to President Tinubu that President Biden has expressed interest in a meeting during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York City. This meeting, scheduled for late September, aims to advance discussions between the two leaders.
The American envoy emphasized that President Tinubu stands out as the sole African leader to receive such a distinguished invitation from President Biden.
Acknowledging the potential for increased large-scale American investment in Nigeria, Ambassador Phee expressed a commitment to collaborate closely with President Tinubu. This collaboration aims to facilitate the strengthening of both the Nigerian economy and the broader regional economy.
“We sincerely value your commitment to fostering an empowering atmosphere for this endeavor. President Joe Biden has expressed his desire for a meeting with you during the UNGA, and notably, you are the exclusive African leader he has extended this invitation to. This serves as a testament to the great esteem he holds for your leadership,” conveyed the U.S. Special Envoy.
Tinubu wisely counseled Phee to ensure a deliberate collaborative approach within US policy towards independent African democracies, especially in times when they face challenges from anti-democratic forces both within and outside the continent.
The President emphasized the need for prompt and extensive reforms in American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions. Originally crafted to aid post-World War II Europe, these institutions must adapt swiftly to address the unique developmental needs of emerging African democracies. This is especially crucial in environments crowded with authoritarian influences. The goal is to prevent the manipulation of the genuine aspirations of African citizens by self-serving demagogues who seek to seize power unconstitutionally.
“The private sector will undoubtedly take the lead, fostered by the enabling environment we cultivate. Yet, the U.S. Government must exhibit innovation in its approach and systematically devise incentives to encourage American industrial investment in Nigeria. Guided by my leadership, Nigeria is fully prepared to address specific regulatory, tax, and environmental concerns, aiming to usher prosperity into every Nigerian household,” declared the President.
The Nigerian leader affirmed that the ongoing crisis in Niger Republic would not hinder his successful implementation of the economic reform program, aimed at benefiting the Nigerian populace. He emphasized his commitment to advancing the interests of the Nigerian state, drawing inspiration without restraint, while approaching ECOWAS’ management of the regional standoff.
“We are deeply engaged in our pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Niger issue, leveraging our diplomatic tools. Despite ECOWAS’ preparedness for various options, I continue to exercise caution, exhausting alternative remedial mechanisms before involving the organization. While war is far from conducive to my economic reforms or regional stability, safeguarding democracy remains paramount. ECOWAS is united in its resolve not to tolerate insincere delays,” affirmed the ECOWAS Chairman.
Expressing unequivocal support for ECOWAS’ stance, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy conveyed the profound respect held by the U.S. Administration for the leadership of the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
President Tinubu has confirmed his acceptance of the invitation to meet with the U.S. President on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. He emphasized that the task of refining democracy is an ongoing endeavor, applicable not only to emerging democracies worldwide but also to established ones like the recent events observed in America.
