Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday called for closer cooperation between Nigeria and the United States amid growing diplomatic tension following allegations of Christian genocide in the country.
Akpabio acknowledged that relations between both countries were facing “difficult times” as he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard M. Mills Jnr, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
The genocide allegation has unsettled the Nigerian government, prompting a series of swift actions, including a visit to the United States by a delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to explain Nigeria’s security situation. The government has also intensified military operations against terrorism, prosecuted some suspects, and appointed 67 ambassadorial nominees.
Despite the situation, Akpabio said Nigeria and the United States should continue to strengthen their long-standing relationship.
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“These are very difficult times but I’m happy my Distinguished colleagues are here and we are having this engagement.
“This is a visit we have been looking forward to and even proposing to visit you and have an overview of the current situation between our two countries.
“I thank you for receiving me during the 249th Independence Anniversary of your country. I congratulate you. That means you have practised democracy for 249 years. We can’t say we have done the same in Nigeria.
“The collaboration between our countries is there and our democracy and system of government is modelled after the United States of America”, the Senate President’s Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Akpabio as saying.
He added, “One thing that I do know is that America has remained prosperous and has assisted many countries in the world because of the strong belief that: In God we trust.
“In Nigeria despite our religious land ethnic diversities, we also believe that God is the greatest. So we share something in common. You are welcome to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Earlier, Mills said he was at the National Assembly to discuss US-Nigeria relations and ways to deepen cooperation between both countries.
He said the United States Mission would explore how it could further shared goals with Nigeria and also gain insight into the legislative agenda of the Nigerian Senate in the coming year.