'We Are Delighted By Clinton's Visit'

Being the welcome address by Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, President of the Senate, on the occasion of the joint session of the National Assembly.

 

 

I CHERISH pleasure to welcome the president of the United States of America, accompanied by the president, Federal Republic of Nigeria and their delegations to this join session of the Nigerian National Assembly. We are particularly delighted by the visit of the president of the United States of America because we are now able to receive you with pride as a free, and democratic nation. We also cherish the similarities in our democratic traditions and institutions as well as our federal experiences.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, May I, on behalf of the Nigerian National Assembly convey your appreciation and gratitude for the steadfast and dignified support given by the United States of America to the Nigerian people in our struggle against dictatorship and tyranny. We are all pleased that your support and our struggles have not been in vain. As you visit our country we believe that the Nigerian President will discuss issues of common interest to our two nations with you. Issues such as debt cancellation; visa processes to Nigerian applicants; treatment of Nigerian citizens in the United States of America; the AIDS compaign; the security situation and the African growth and opportunity act are indeed very dear to Nigerians.

Similarly, the issue of alarming travel advice issued by the State Department with counter productive effects to bilaterial efforts in promoting trade and investments should be re-examined. While we cherish our existing business partnership we will desire increased American investments outside the oil sector.

Finally, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Nigerian National Assembly, being the newest institution in the polity, will welcome greater American participation in its capacity building and the strenghtening of other democratic institutions in the political system. At this juncture, may I enjoy the privilege and honour, to invite the president of the United States of America, Mr. William Jefferson Clinton, to deliver his address.

 

Thank you all.

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