"I appreciate Buhari’s work so far" - US President says

dimeji akinloye

July 20, 2015 6:47 PM

He said Nigerians "understand that only through a peaceful political process can change take place.”

President of the United States, Barack Obama, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his "reputation for integrity and clear agenda," which he said will move Nigeria forward.

Obama stated this at the ongoing meeting Buhari at the White House today, July 20 where the two leaders are discussing, mainly, how to end the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives in the northern part of Nigeria.

Obama said, "It is a great pleasure to welcome President Buhari and his delegation here in the White House for his first visit since the historic election that took place.

"Nigeria is obviously one of the most important countries in the world, one of the most important countries in the African continent.

"Recently, we saw an election in which a peaceful transition to a new government took place. Nevertheless, the people of Nigeria understand that only through a peaceful political process that can change takes place.

"President Buhari came into office with reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda that is to make sure that he has been bringing safely security and peace to his country.

"He is very concerned about the spread and the violence that is taking place there and the atrocities and has a very clear agenda in defeating Boko Haram and extremists.

"I want to emphasise how much I appreciate President Buhari’s work so far. I have seen him put together a team so that we can do everything that we can to help him succeed and help the people of Nigeria succeed."

In his response, Buhari expressed gratitude to the US for its support during the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, saying the polls were free, fair and credible because of pressure from the US.

“We will ever be grateful,” he said.

Obama further stated that successful reforms would mean that “Nigeria ends up being an anchor, not only of prosperity and stability” but, he said, the country “can also be an outstanding role model for developing countries around the world.”

He reassured of US help to address the issues that have stalled Nigeria's progress.

Buhari jetted out of the country on Sunday morning, July 19, 2015 with a 33-man delegation and arrived the Joint Base Andrews Int'l Airport, Washington DC at about 9:48PM Nigerian time.

dimeji akinloye