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.

mrmetoo1:
15 minutes courtesy call vs Buhari being a guest in Blair house. Buhari actually staying there for data and not in some hotel room in D.C. I think that's what people are talking about here, not that no one has stepped foot in Blair house

Lovesdaisied:


Ok I see. But even at that what is still so special? Many leaders either visit or stay there as it is a designated guest area for visitors.

That you are sleeping there is a cause to celebrate now?

Gogetta:
He met. Pres. Obama @ Blair house but did not sleep over there. PMB will be staying there for the duration of his visit.

hinwazaka:
This is a reminder for all the fans of our new found partnership with Obama's America
Obama's greatest hits
* The stimulus didn't stimulate
Obama was elected in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and his first big act in office was to sign a gargantuan package of stimulus spending financed entirely with debt that was supposed to jump start the economy. After congress voted it into law, the money which was meant for shovel ready projects failed to yield fruit
* Obamacare brouhaha
When obama care was passed people were assured it would provide insurance for 32 million people who didn't have coverage. Years on it has covered far fewer people than expected, a poor number between 10% and 20% of what was promised
* Lack of a realistic immigration policy
He failed to draft a realistic immigration plan and only ended up annoying the right, left and centre
* The fall of the Iraq quest
He was so determined to shore up Goodwill he prematurely withdrew their forces, and completely ignored the terrorist threat which was emerging. The price of that mistake was the establishment of ISIS
* The joke of the Arab spring
After the Arab toppling of long time dictators, Obama refused to act fast and stagnated on Egypt with the result of everyone in Egypt now hating him and the military dictator now aligning with Russia in a show of insult to America
* He has made America irrelevant
Due to his lethargic and indecisive nature he has thrown the global respect for America out of the window
Let's not forget the Benghazi issue, the downplaying of Boko Haram, the Russia/ Ukraine issue, the Syrian/US congress- US executive standoff and also the historical congress lockdown . Its quite obvious that both Obama and Buhari have a lot in common and so this is a marriage made in heaven. Happy married life to the couple

PassingShot:
What's with all this pettiness for God's sake?

luvmijeje:
Tanists and their wahala. In all honesty, this is the first time that I'm seeing the white house going all out to host Nigeria.

It makes me feel good.

Lovesdaisied:


Ok I see. But even at that what is still so special? Many leaders either visit or stay there as it is a designated guest area for visitors.

That you are sleeping there is a cause to celebrate now?

Orjioorji:
Inferiority complex, you need to visit a psychologist.

arewafederation:
Why should they accomodate GMB in Blair House?

I don't trust these oyinbos.....I suspect a ploy to kidnap our president and replace him with a double.

Let's all watch and observe our president after the visit.

cc: GenBuhari

UnknownT:
The report said Buhari will stay in the Blair house unlike other past heads of state that stayed in hotels on state visits to the US. US president can entertain his guests there, but the question is "Is Buhari the first Nigerian President to stay/sleep over in the Blair house?"

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.

UnknownT:
The report said Buhari will stay in the Blair house unlike other past heads of state that stayed in hotels on state visits to the US. US president can entertain his guests there, but the question is "Is Buhari the first Nigerian President to stay/sleep over in the Blair house?"

richidinho:


The question should be "is that one of his campaign promises?"

Mumu

UnknownT:
I hope by the MUMU, you were taking a swipe at Buhari and not me?

Beremx:
Seems these wailing TANoids want another round of debate from me.

Make una no make me vex o!