The Charge D’Affaires of the United States (US) Mission in Nigeria, David Greene has said that Nigeria can try to improve its democracy but cautioned that it should not expect perfection in its pursuit of the country’s democracy.
Greene spoke on Tuesday at the 247th anniversary of US Independence Day at the residence of the US Consul General in Lagos, Will Stevens, in Ikoyi, Lagos.
He said:
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“Democracy could be a rough and bumpy road, but it is a process.
“Nigeria, as a democracy with an elected and representative government, must continue working and trying to improve on its democracy.
“You’re never going to achieve perfection, but what you must do is to remain focused and continue working to improve the democratic process and the lives of the citizens.”
Referring to the partnership between the US and Nigeria, he said:
“As President (Joe) Biden has said, elected leaders owe to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs, and the United States, I’m proud to say, is Nigeria’s partner in seeking to deliver.
“Economic opportunity is only part of the solution (to the nation’s challenges). Citizens need security.
“In this area, too, the United States and Nigeria are working together closely, whether through robust military to military ties, police training, judicial cooperation…, the United States is partnering with Nigeria to bolster its security capabilities, to combat terrorism, to fight violent crime, to address human rights violations, and to end corruption.”
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajid Sanwo-Olu, in his speech, said that the Lagos State Government was delighted to host the 247th Independence Day celebrations of the US in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bimbola Salu-Hundein, stated that the holding of the event in Lagos after the previous event in Abuja was a testament to the importance of the country in Nigeria and the world.
He said:
“The United States and Nigeria share a long history of friendship marked by several milestones of cooperation in trade, education, health and security.
“We are proud to be partners in progress, working hand-in-hand to improve the lives of our citizens and contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful world.
“Our partnership is built on shared values and a commitment to democratic principles, human rights and sustainable development.”
