The purported phone call between President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sparked widespread reactions throughout the nation.
The opposition, in particular, viewed this call as a blow to the United States’ stance on democracy and its fundamental values. The deliberations held between the two heads of state proved to be productive.
President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that institutional reforms and swift development will be given top priority by the incoming administration.
According to Tinubu, the objective of the reforms is to provide assistance to the disadvantaged and susceptible members of the Nigerian population.
In addition, he has made a commitment to foster national unity and maintain the favorable diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States of America (U.S.).
As per reports, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu engaged in a 20-minute conversation with the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Tuesday night.
The recent meeting between the United States’ highest-ranking diplomat and the incoming president, who is presently situated in Paris, France, marked a significant milestone as it was the first instance of direct talks between the two parties.
Both the Tinubu media office and the U.S. Department of State have confirmed the telephone interaction.
The recent communication between Blinken and Tinubu has reportedly caused frustration for Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming February 25 election.
According to a statement released by Tunde Rahman of the Tinubu Media Office, the President-elect has expressed his unwavering commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s democracy and dutifully serving its citizens.
Tinubu had earlier stated that, he was granted asylum by the United States during his period of exile while fighting for the reinstatement of democracy in Nigeria.
The individual in question has conveyed his unwavering conviction that the outcome of the election, which he indisputably emerged victorious in, is a true reflection of the desires of the Nigerian populace.
The speaker emphasized the importance of the United States taking into account Nigeria’s role in Africa and extending necessary aid in the realms of security and economic investment. This, he argued, would enable Nigeria to emerge as a trailblazer and a model for other nations on the continent.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has provided assurance that Nigeria can anticipate a positive and mutually advantageous relationship with the United States.
The individual pledged to contribute to the maintenance of a harmonious and enduring relationship between the two countries, emphasizing the significance of a democratic and peaceful Nigeria to both the United States and the African continent.
According to a statement released by Matthew Miller from Blinken’s office, the Biden administration has expressed its commitment to enhancing the relationship between the United States and Nigeria.
“He emphasised his continued commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration.
“The Secretary noted that the U.S.-Nigeria partnership is built on shared interests and strong people-to-people ties and that those links should continue to strengthen under President-elect Tinubu’s tenure.
“Secretary Blinken and President-elect Tinubu discussed the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians, continued comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth.”