Following the announcement of a presidential team to attend the swearing-in of Bola Tinubu, the “President-elect” of Nigeria, several supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party and of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, have criticized US President Joe Biden.
The Nigerian government has extended invitations to many foreign leaders, including Heads of State, to attend Tinubu’s inauguration.
On May 29 in Eagle Square, Abuja, the former governor of Lagos State will take the oath of office as Nigeria’s 16th president.
Past presidents, diplomats, leaders of international organizations, well-known Nigerians, and officials of foreign governments and agencies are also anticipated at the nation’s seventh transition ceremony.
Biden had in a statement released on the White House’s website on Monday, May 22, announced a nine-member delegation for the event.
The statement said the delegation, which will be led by Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge, represents the commitment of the United States to strengthen ties and maintain diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
Other members of the Presidential Delegation include; David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Abuja; The Honorable Sydney Kamlager-Dove, United States Representative (D), California; the Honorable Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce; General Michael E. Langley, and Commander of U.S. Africa Command, the Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, Director.
However, some supporters of the LP and PDP presidential candidates have taken to the micro-blogging platform, Twitter to condemn the action of the US President.
They also described the delegation as weak, adding that Vice President Kamala Harris or Secretary of State, Antony Blinken should have led it.
Below are some reactions;
