I look forward to working with Tinubu — Biden

President Joe Biden of the United States has sent “warm wishes” to the government and people of Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu was sworn into office on Monday.

“My administration has worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria, and I look forward to continuing this work with President Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security, and promote respect for human rights,” Mr Biden said.”

“The people-to-people connections between our two countries run particularly deep, nurtured by a vibrant Nigerian Diaspora in the United States.”

Mr Biden is not known to have personally spoken to Mr Tinubu since he was declared Nigeria’s president-elect in February. Nigerians critical of the election that brought Mr Tinubu have closely followed the reaction of the United States government to the outcome of the disputed polls.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken telephoned with Mr Tinubu weeks ago, and Mr Biden sent a delegation led by U.S. housing and urban development secretary to attend Monday’s inauguration.

“As we further deepen our partnership with Nigeria, I look forward to drawing even more on the ideas and energy of this dynamic connection between our countries,” Mr Biden said in a statement.

“As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success.  Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs.  And the United States will continue to work closely with Nigeria, as a friend and partner, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for our world.”