The President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan has called for strengthened partnership between Nigeria and the United States in all sectors, especially in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Lawan made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the 243rd independence anniversary of the US organised by the US Embassy in Abuja.
He said that there were several areas for both countries to build on their collaborations and partnerships, adding that Nigerians should learn from the successes of the US after 243 years of independence.
He urged Nigerians to learn to live together in spite of their differences, ethnicity and religion just like the US.
The President of the Senate noted that Nigeria is a great country with all the potential to be among the greatest in the world, stating that the diversity of the country is supposed to be the nation’s source of strength.
“How the Americans were able to live for 243 years, using their power of diversity, every part of Nigeria has something to contribute to national development.
“Nigerians, both within the country and outside, are people of determination, very patriotic and loyal. I pray and hope that those of us in leadership positions will continue to give the right leadership, we should bring our people together.
He said that the aim is to ensure that Nigeria remained united and focused, and that rule of law prevailed.
Mr. Mustapha Suleiman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the US for its development assistance and interventions in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Suleiman said that the US has been very supportive to Nigeria in different fields, urging both countries to sustain the collaborations.
“Today, as we join the United States in commemorating its independence anniversary, we celebrate the very essence of American progress, the spirit that defines the unity of its people for more than two centuries.
“Both countries have collaborated in different fields and the United States have demonstrated to be a trusted and reliable friend to Nigeria.
“We express profound appreciation to the United States government for the various forms of assistance given to Nigeria over the years, especially more recently in our fight against insurgency in the North- East,’’ he said.
MM/GIK/APA