The United States Ambassador To Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard has advised against all forms of actions that may undermine the democratic process in Nigeria, and called on individuals who may not be satisfied with the outcome of recent elections to explore judicial platforms to seek justice.
Leonard who gave the advice on Monday in Lagos during her farewell reception, noted that the $537 million New Consulate Construction project sited in the eko Atlantic City area of the state is one of the many means through which the United States has strengthened its bilateral relationship with Nigeria.
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The outgoing U.S. ambassador had recently met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential villa in Abuja, where said she was happy with the progress made in Nigeria-US relations in the last three and half years.
She specifically cited the recent institution of a five-year visa regime between the two countries; active collaboration in security and the supply of military hardware including war planes and the soon-to-come fighter helicopters; and also cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and Covid response, giving assurances that US will continue to assist in the strengthening of Nigeria’s health sector.
Leonard expressed her gratitude and that of the US government in the continuing role of the president in ensuring regional security and strengthening of democracy as a system of government, citing his strong response against the recent surge of coups-d’état in West Africa as worthy of commendation.
She expressed hope that Buhari would ensure the removal of fuel subsidy even as he prepares to leave office.
(Editor: Tienabeso Bibiye)
