US President Joe Biden has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bold steps taken so far to fix the Nigerian economy and strong leadership he has offered towards preserving democracy and law and order in Niger Republic saying that America is committed to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the White House on the second day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India.
Biden said “Nigeria’s invitation to the G20 Summit is a recognition of Nigeria’s important global role as Africa’s largest democracy and economy Republic amid military takeover,”
It will be recalled that the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS under the leadership of Tinubu swung into action and slammed sanctions including a possible military action on Niger Republic after a military group seized power on July 26 and held the president, Mohammed Bazoum and close relations and allies under house arrest.
The Junta headed by General Abdourahamane Tiani for fear of a military action by ECOWAS, shut down the country’s airspace but announced its opening just last week.
While the Tiani – led government had proposed a 3- year transition timeframe, ECOWAS had insisted on a 9 -month period for restoration of democratic order in Niger.
Recall that Biden had sent Molly Phee, the US assistant secretary of state for African Affairs with a message to president Tinubu for a meeting with him during the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly UNGA in New York.
Tinubu is the only African leader so requested to meet with President Biden according to the envoy.
