Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jnr., to advance discussions on strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
The meeting took place when the US envoy paid a courtesy visit to Akpabio at the National Assembly in Abuja, with both sides expressing commitment to deepening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio said Nigeria and the United States share a common democratic foundation, noting that Nigeria’s system of governance is modelled after that of America and must be carefully nurtured.
“These are very difficult times, but I am pleased that we are having this engagement,” Akpabio was quoted as saying. “This is a visit we have been looking forward to, and we had even proposed visiting you to take stock of the current state of relations between our two countries.”
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He thanked the ambassador for hosting him during the United States’ 249th Independence Anniversary, congratulating the country on its long democratic history.
“That means you have practised democracy for 249 years. We cannot say the same in Nigeria,” he said.
Akpabio described the existing collaboration between both countries as strong, adding that Nigeria’s democratic system was inspired by the American model.
“One thing I know is that America has remained prosperous and has supported many countries because of its strong belief in the principle, ‘In God we trust,’” he said.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity, the country also shares a strong belief in God, describing it as a common bond between both nations.
“You are welcome to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akpabio added.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mills said the visit was aimed at reviewing the state of US–Nigeria relations and identifying areas for deeper cooperation.
He said the United States Mission would continue to explore ways to advance shared objectives and gain insight into the legislative priorities of the Nigerian Senate in the coming year.
