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The White House has confirmed that the American President, Donald Trump, spoke on telephone with his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari. The Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, told journalists during a press briefing, Tuesday, in the White House, that the two leaders had a telephone conversation on Monday.
“Before I get into the President’s schedule for today, a quick recap of the President’s activity over the last few days, since we haven’t had the honour of spending so much time together,” Mr. Spicer told reporters.
He then went on to list who and who Mr. Trump met, where the president visited, and who he had spoken with.
“In addition to his in-person meetings with the prime ministers of Japan and Canada, the President also recently had phone calls with the presidents of Tunisia, Peru, Nigeria, Colombia and South Africa,” Mr. Spicer said.
He added that the “Readouts are available on all of those calls.”
Back home in Nigeria, there were speculations, especially on social media, that the telephone conversation between Mr. Trump and Mr. Buhari did not happen.
Mr. Buhari is on medical vacation in London. His absence in the country, coupled with the recent indefinite extension of his vacation, has fuelled speculations that he might be seriously sick.
Femi Adesina, The Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity had in a series of tweets on Monday disclosed what both leaders discussed.
Mr. Adesina said the conversation was cordial and that Mr. Buhari congratulated Mr. Trump on his election as the President of the United States.
He said the two leaders discussed ways to improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism through the provision of necessary equipment.
Mr. Trump assured the Nigerian leader of U.S. readiness to cut a new deal in helping Nigeria in terms of military weapons to combat terrorism, Mr. Adesina said.
He commended Mr. Buhari for the efforts he made in rescuing 24 of the Chibok girls and the strides being taken by the Nigerian Army in combating Boko Haram.
Mr. Trump also invited the Nigerian President to Washington at a mutually convenient date.
Mr. Adesina added that, “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.”
That was the first time the two leaders communicated directly since Mr. Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president of the United States.
President Trump has been increasingly conversing with world leaders during his first weeks in office.
On Monday he turned his attention to Africa.
Mr. Trump called two of the continent’s most prominent leaders, Mr. Buhari and South African President, Jacob Zuma, to discuss combating terrorism, trade relations and other issues.
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