The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday held talks with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jnr, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The discussions took place during a courtesy visit by the US envoy to the National Assembly in Abuja, where both leaders expressed a desire to foster more robust diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States.
A statement by Anietie Ekong, Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the Senate President, quoted Akpabio as highlighting the shared democratic principles of the two nations.
He noted that Nigeria’s democracy is modelled after the American system, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and preserving it.
“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.
“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 and 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,” Akpabio said.
Ambassador Mills, in his remarks, said he visited the Senate to discuss US-Nigeria relations and explore ways to further their shared objectives.
He added that he aimed to gain insights into the legislative priorities of the Nigerian Senate in the coming year and identify areas where the US Mission could provide support.