White House releases statement as Tinubu is sworn-in as Nigeria’s president

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has congratulated Bola Tinubu on his swearing-in as president of Nigeria.

Tinubu took over the baton from Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, May 29.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Eagles Square in Abuja, had African leaders and global organisations in attendance.

Although Biden did not attend the inauguration, he sent a nine-member delegation to represent him at the ceremony.

The delegation was led by the US secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge.

However, in a statement released by the White House, Biden congratulated Tinubu on his assumption of office.

“On behalf of the people of the United States, I send warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria as they inaugurate a new president,” the statement reads.

“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.

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

“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.”