Dateline Washington, D.C.:Jonathan Meets Obama at Blair House

Nigeria’s acting president, Goodluck E. Jonathan, met this evening with US president Obama at the Blair House, which serves as President Obama’s Guest House a few meters across from the White House.
Mr. Jonathan was accompanied to the meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia, the Ambassador to the United States, Ade Adefuye, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Joy Ogwu.

Saharareporters learnt that Jonathan was not accompanied by any of the state governors because the governors could not agree among themselves as to which of them would join the “Acting President” to meet with Obama.

There were also some hitches because Nigerian embassy officials in Washington DC did not send the names of some Jonathan aides and their photos on time to enable them get clearance to enter the venue of the meeting.

The meeting with Obama, which was scheduled as a courtesy call, lasted 15 minutes, after which Jonathan met with US State Department officials.  He then retired to his hotel, The Westin Grand, in Washington D.C.

Obama’s meeting with Jonathan was his first with any Nigerian leader since coming to office in January 2009. Today, in addition to meeting Jonathan, President Obama also met India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Jacob Zuma of South Africa, and Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani of Pakistan.

 

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Press Release from Jonathan's office:Acting President Jonathan Meets President Obama, pledges Nigeria’s commitment to Bi-National Forum

The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has pledged Nigeria’s commitment to a successful implementation of the recently signed Bi National Agreement between Nigeria and the United States.

He stated this Sunday during bilateral discussions with US President Barack Obama at the Blair House, Washington DC.

Dr. Jonathan expressed optimism that the working group created by the Commission would contribute towards actualizing the objectives of Nigeria’s Vision 20: 2020. While stating Nigeria’s commitment to electoral reforms and the fight against corruption, he pledged support for a nuclear free world, emphasising Nigeria’s opposition to nuclear proliferation.

The Acting President also thanked President Obama for America’s solidarity and support for Nigeria during the period of uncertainty occasioned by the President Yar’Adua’s illness.

Welcoming President Jonathan to Blair House and thanking him for accepting the invitation to attend the Nuclear Security Summit, the American President commended Dr. Jonathan for his leadership and the manner in which he stabilized Nigeria’s political situation.

According to him, America sees Nigeria as a very strategic country in Africa and the Obama Administration would like to see Nigeria conduct a free and fair election, tackle corruption and deal with internal religious violence.

“America would like to work with Nigeria to ensure a politically stable environment which would make Nigeria a good example to other African countries,” he said.

President Obama commented on the Iran’s nuclear programme, and said he looked forward to Nigeria’s support in ensuring the non proliferation of nuclear weapons in the world.

The Acting President was accompanied by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia, the Permanent Secretary, Martins Uhomoidhi, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to United States, Prof. Ade Adefuye. Also in attendance were US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton; Senior Adviser to the President on Africa, Michelle Gavin, and America’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Sanders.

Ima Niboro

SSA Media and Publicity to the Acting President

11th April, 2010.

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