US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has pledged to strengthen Nigeria's democracy and promote good relations.

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 United States as it is to Africa.

He urged the US to factor in Nigeria's important place in Africa and provide needed 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.

Blinken assured 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 United States as it is to Africa.

In a chat initiated by the US diplomat, the telephone discussion, which was frank and friendly, took place on Tuesday evening, said Tunde Rahman, media aide to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, president-elect.

During the talks that lasted about 20 minutes, President-elect Tinubu spoke about his long and eventful sojourn in America, recalling 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.

A statement by Rahman reads: “President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to hit the ground running and unify the country upon his assumption of office on May 29. He further pledged to work to ensure continued positive relations with the United States.

“Asíwájú Tinubu spoke during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“The President-elect said that among his immediate priorities would be to deliver institutional reforms and development programs to deepen our democratic institutions and bring help to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“He also expressed his determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and faithfully serve the people as their president.

“While affirming his democratic bona fides, Tinubu expressed his absolute belief that the result of the elections, which he clearly 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.

“Responding to Blinken, Tinubu said without national unity, security, economic development and good governance, Nigeria would not become a better place to live in or play her proper role in the comity of African nations”.

Both President-elect Tinubu and Secretary Blinken ended their discussion with pleasant greetings and a promise to keep the channels of dialogue and communication open, whilst maintaining a strong relationship between the two nations.

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