Date Published: 04/13/10

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.