Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina has just taken to his Twitter account to disclose what had been said during the meeting between Muhammadu Buhari and Barack Obama.
In the first official encounter of the politicians, President Obama characterized his Nigerian colleague as a “man of integrity”.
Speaking further about the role of Nigeria on the African continent, Obama was quoted as saying by Adesina:
“Wherever Nigeria goes, Africa goes. The continent’s destiny is tied to Nigeria’s.”
The American president stressed the importance of keeping Nigeria united, because a divided country can never succeed.
“Turn the diversity of Nigeria to source of strength.”
Regarding the battle against Boko Haram insurgency, Obama advised Buhari to combine military action with social and economic programmes.
“President Buhari has a very clear agenda of defeating Boko Haram and extremists of all sorts… and of rooting out the corruption that has too often held back the economic growth and prosperity of his country.”
Premium Times also reports with reference to Barack Obama that the US will partner with Nigeria so that the country “ends up being not only an anchor of prosperity and stability in the eastern part of the continent, but can also be an outstanding role model for developing countries around the world”.
He also said that he would discuss with Buhari the most effective ways of cooperation to end insurgency and how the American side can help Nigeria.
He further pledged US commitment to cooperating with Nigeria as long as the country “remains on course”.
Apart from that, the American leader addressed members of Buhari’s entourage, urging the five accompanying governors, so as other officials, to assist President Buhari.
The Nigerian leader, on his part, thanked his colleague for the invitation and said that it was partially diplomatic pressure from the US and international community that helped Nigeria conduct democratic elections.
See photos from the meeting. Credits: Sahara Reporters.
And some more pictures from Premium Times.
