20th May, 2023
By Emmanuel Mogbede
Nigeria’s President-Elect, Bola Tinubu has said he was deeply shocked to learn of the attack on the convoys of staff of United States Consulate in Ogbaru area of Anambra State which claimed seven lives last Tuesday.
Police in Anambra confirmed that seven people who were staff of the US Consulate in Lagos were killed in the attack, while two others were missing.
However, the Police and the US Embassy in Nigeria confirmed the rescue of the two missing persons on Friday.
While condemning the attack Tinubu said he was shocked to learn of its occurrence just hours after his telephone call with the U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken., in a statement issued by Mr Tunde Rahman, his media aide on Friday in Abuja.
“Tinubu is deeply shocked to learn of the attack on United States Embassy convoys, just hours after his telephone call with the U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
“He expresses his sympathy and condolences with the U.S Government and families of the seven personnel killed in the horrific attack at Ogbaru, Anambra,” the statement said.
It said Tinubu had been making inquiries into the persons responsible and their motives, and would do all he could to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
It added that security is one of the cardinal issues on Tinubu’s agenda, and he would give it priority attention on assumption of office.
This, it said was why security, featured prominently in his telephone discussion with Secretary Blinken.
The statement said Tinubu had, in a telephone conversation on May 16, with Blinken, urged the U.S to factor in Nigeria’s important place in Africa and provide needed assistance in the areas of security and economic investment.
This, he said, was critical for Nigeria to lead the way and be a shining example to the rest of Africa continent.
He said his immediate priorities would be to deliver institutional reforms and development programs to deepen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and bring help to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Tinubu had expressed determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and faithfully serve the people as president
(NAN)