GMI hails Tinubu’s US diplomacy, seeks final push on insecurity

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative has praised President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a major diplomatic turnaround that has boosted Nigeria’s image and relevance, especially in relations with the United States.

The group said that in just three months, the Tinubu administration had shifted Nigeria from the fringes of global diplomacy to a country now regarded as a priority partner by Washington.

In a statement on Saturday, the National Coordinator of GMI, Samaila Musa, said recent high-level engagements between Nigeria and the United States reflected “strategic leadership at its best”.

He cited visits involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, engagements with the US Congress, and a joint counter-terrorism operations pact as evidence that the administration’s foreign policy was yielding results.

Musa also pointed to remarks credited to former US President, Donald Trump, who reportedly described the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a “very respected person” during a Washington Breakfast, saying the gesture signalled renewed warmth in bilateral ties.

According to the group, the development has cleared the path for what it termed a potentially historic White House visit by President Tinubu.

While applauding the diplomatic gains, the GMI warned that security challenges at home remained pressing, noting that bandits and terrorist groups were attempting to regroup and unleash fresh attacks on communities.

It said although the end of banditry appeared closer under the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, the Federal Government must intensify efforts to prevent a resurgence of violence.

The group urged Tinubu to deepen security collaboration with the United States and other international partners, particularly in intelligence sharing, technology and military support.

The GMI reaffirmed its support for the President and security agencies, calling on Nigerians to remain patriotic and vigilant as the country pushes towards improved security and stability.