The United States of America, U.S., President, Donald Trump, has tactically denied ever inviting President Muhammadu to Washington DC.
The tactical denial came on Thursday, from the White House, when providing details of his telephone conversation with Buhari.
Recall, that Trump had on Monday spoken to Buhari, via a telephone conversation, as it was widely reported.
There were however, speculations that the telephone conversation between the two Presidents did not happen, because most of the U.S. media outlets did not report the story.
Nonetheless, responding to PREMIUM TIMES’ inquiry, the U.S. Department of State, has now provided details of the discussions between the two leaders, but did not mention that Buhari was invited to Washington DC, as was widely spread by the APC-led Federal Government.
Tiffany Jackson-Zunker, Deputy Director, Africa Regional Media Hub at the State Department, sent an email containing readout of the telephone call.
Perusing through the readout from the U.S., shows that nothing like an official invitation to Washington DC, was extended to Buhari from the White House, as claimed by the Nigerian Presidency.
The readout reads:“President, Donald J. Trump, spoke this week with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, to discuss the strong cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, including on shared security, economic, and governance priorities.
“President Trump, underscored the importance the United States places on its relationship with Nigeria, and he expressed interest in working with President Buhari, to expand the strong partnership.
“The leaders agreed to continue close coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and worldwide.
“President Trump, expressed support for the sale of aircraft from the United States, to support Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram.
“President Trump, thanked President Buhari for the leadership he has exercised in the region, and emphasized the importance of a strong, secure, and prosperous Nigeria, that continues to lead in the region and in international forums.”
Ms. Jackson-Zunker, also said a text of the readout had been posted to the White House website.
Recall, that Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to Buhari on Media and Publicity, had in a series of tweets on Monday gave the Nigerian version of the discussions by the two leaders, saying that, “Trump invited the Nigerian President to Washington DC, at a mutually convenient date.’’
SOURCE: POST NIGERIA
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