US: ‘Rioting unacceptable,’ ‘criminals’ who stormed Capitol will be prosecuted ― US Amb to Nigeria

THE United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, has condemned the attack on the US Capitol on Wednesday by rioters believed to be supporters of outgoing President of the United States, Donald Trump.

The  protesters who claimed the presidential election was rigged stormed the Capitol to register their grievances.

The development at the US Capitol attracted outrage from nations and prominent individuals across the world, particularly those that see the US as model of democracy.

It was also greeted by wide criticism from different regions across the world, especially strong critics of the nation’s democratic system.

But in a statement released on Friday, the US ambassador said, “Rioting is unacceptable. The criminals who stormed the US Capitol will be held in accordance with the rule of law in the United States.”

Berth assured Nigeria that the development would not  strain the relationship between it and the US adding that the “enduring friendship and partnership between the United States and the people of Nigeria will endure and thrive”

The statement stressed the supremacy of democracy in the US, noting that  “the United States Congress has completed its Constitutionally mandated count of the Electoral College vote and affirmed the election of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Kamala D. Harris.

“They will be sworn into office and a peaceful transfer of power will occur on January 20, 2021″

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many citizens of Nigeria who sent messages of support during Wednesday’s difficult hours.