By Uduma Kalu

President Barrack  Obama of the United States of America, USA, has said that ties that bind Nigeria and the US were grounded in shared values and mutual interest towards fostering good governance, increasing economic growth and promoting regional stability.

President Obama, in a statement signed by Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of States, in a congratulatory message to Nigeria on its 52nd independence anniversary, said: “I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day this October 1.

“We value this partnership and remain dedicated to working together to meet the challenges of the future. On the 52nd anniversary of your independence, I wish all Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous year.”

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Abuja has warned its citizens over insecurity in Nigeria as the country marks its 52nd independence anniversary today.

A statement from the embassy said: “With the upcoming Nigerian holiday celebrating their 52nd year of independence, and recent anti-American demonstrations in several Nigerian cities during the past week, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria wishes to remind all U.S. citizens in Nigeria of the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions in Nigeria.

“We also remind all U.S. citizens in Nigeria to consider your personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of your planning.”