US President Donald Trump on Monday afternoon allegedly spoke with President Muhammadu Buhari in a telephone conversation according to reports. Trump invited Buhari, who is
currently in London on vacation, to come to Washington DC at a “mutually convenient” date, presidency sources informed TheCable.
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, has issued a statement to confirm the development. Buhari congratulated Trump on his election as US president and the two leaders highlighted areas to improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
The Nigerian president specifically requested support for arms – an area that has frustrated the country because of negative human rights reports on the activities of Nigerian soldiers in the north-east.
Meanwhile, Adesina later issued a statement on the telephone conversation. He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari this afternoon from London spoke to President Donald Trump on telephone at the request of the American President.
“The conversation was cordial and President Buhari congratulated Trump on his election as President of the United States, and on his cabinet.
“The two leaders discussed ways to improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism through provision of necessary equipment.
“President Trump encouraged President Buhari to keep up the good work he is doing, and also commended him for the efforts made in rescuing 24 of the Chibok Girls and the strides being taken by the Nigerian military.
“President Trump assured the Nigerian President of US readiness to cut a new deal in helping Nigeria in terms of military weapons to combat terrorism.
“President Trump also invited President Buhari to Washington at a mutually convenient date.” However, Trump was very quiet on the telephone conversation in his tweets. Instead, he tweeted on the visit of the Canadian PM Jusin Trudeau. See snapshots below:
