Tinubu promises US that he will deliver institutional reforms and bring in development programmes

PRESIDENT-elect Bola Tinubu has held a brief telephone conversation with US secretary of state Antony Blinken during which he promised to deliver institutional reforms and development programmes to deepen Nigeria's democratic institutions.

On May 29, Asiwaju Tinubu is due to be sworn-in as Nigeria's president after being declared the winner in February's general elections. Currently away in France, Asiwaju Tinubu apparently had a phone conversation with Mr Blinken yesterday during which he promised to hit the ground running and unify the country upon his assumption of office, as well as ensure Nigeria has positive relations with the US.

Apparently, during the conversation, Asiwaju Tinubu said that among his immediate priorities would be to deliver institutional reforms and development programs to deepen democratic institutions and bring help to poor Nigerians. He expressed a determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and faithfully serve the people as their president.

During the conversation that lasted about 20 minutes, Asiwaju Tinubu spoke about his eventful sojourn in America in the 70s, where he graduated as an accountant in 1979. He also recalled how he was granted asylum by the US when, due to his determined struggle for democracy in Nigeria, he was forced into exile by the late General Sani Abacha’s military junta.

Also, Asiwaju Tinubu expressed his absolute belief that the result of the elections, which he won, reflected the will of the Nigerian people. He said he would work to unite the country and ensure that Nigerians are happy and enjoy the benefits of democracy and progressive good governance.

Furthermore, he said without national unity, security, economic development and good governance, Nigeria would not become a better place to live or play her proper role in the comity of African nations. Asiwaju Tinubu urged the US to factor in Nigeria’s important place in Africa and provide assistance in the areas of security and economic investment in order for the nation to lead the way and be a shining example to the rest of the continent.

Secretary Blinken replied assuring that Nigeria should expect a good and mutually-beneficial relationship with the US. He promised to play his part in bringing a sustained and cordial relationship between the two nations to fruition, saying a democratic and peaceful Nigeria is important to the US as it is to Africa.