The president met today with Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan where the two discussed the Nigeria's latest regional and global developments. The two also discussed U.S. and Nigerian bilateral partnership.
Goodluck became Nigeria's 14th president last month. He was Governor of Bayelsa State from 9 December 2005 to 28 May 2007, and was sworn in as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29 May 2007. Jonathan is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). On 13 January 2010, a federal court handed him the power to carry out state affairs while President Umaru Yar'Adua received medical treatment in a Saudi Arabian hospital. A motion from the Nigerian Senate on 9 February 2010 confirmed these powers to act as President, in recognition of her opinion. On 24 February 2010, Yar'Adua returned to Nigeria, but Jonathan continued as acting president. Upon Yar'Adua's death on 5 May 2010, Jonathan succeeded to the Presidency, taking the oath of office on 6 May 2010. (Source).
President Obama did not attend President Jonathan's inauguration, but sent The Honorable Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Department of State to lead the U.S. delegation. President Obama, however, called the new president to congratulate him on his election victory and to commend the people of Nigeria for their resolve and patience during Nigeria’s historic presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections. "The success of the elections was a testament to Nigerian voters who waited in long lines, stayed to watch their votes counted and were determined that these elections mark a new chapter in Nigerian history", said President Obama. "Credit also belongs to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Youth Service Corps, and Nigeria’s vibrant civil society, all of which must play a role in ensuring that the final results reflect the will of the Nigerian people and that Nigerian authorities investigate and address any allegations of fraud or irregularities."
In a statement to the Nigerian people Goodluck writes. " In Nigeria, there is a breath of Fresh Air ushering an era of Transformation and Transparency and the walls of Corruption will be brought down not just by the government but by you the good people of Nigeria".
Then acting President, Jonathan attended the U.S. Nuclear Summit in Washington, D.C. this past April 12-13. During his visit President Obama expressed his appreciation for Nigeria’s participation in the Nuclear Security Summit and the opportunity to meet with Acting President Jonathan to discuss issues of mutual importance. Both President Obama Jonathan agreed to continue to work together on matters of advancing global security, particularly nuclear security and international compliance to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The leaders also discussed important security issues, including efforts to combat terrorism.
Today's visit was a continuation of those talks.
On Jonathan's FaceBook page he writes: "My life has always been about service. I am focused on serving my Creator, family and my country to the best of my ability and with your help I aim to be better at doing that."
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| President Obama met in the Oval Office today with Nigeria's President, Goodluck Jonathan. Photo/CD Brown. |
President Obama did not attend President Jonathan's inauguration, but sent The Honorable Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Department of State to lead the U.S. delegation. President Obama, however, called the new president to congratulate him on his election victory and to commend the people of Nigeria for their resolve and patience during Nigeria’s historic presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections. "The success of the elections was a testament to Nigerian voters who waited in long lines, stayed to watch their votes counted and were determined that these elections mark a new chapter in Nigerian history", said President Obama. "Credit also belongs to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Youth Service Corps, and Nigeria’s vibrant civil society, all of which must play a role in ensuring that the final results reflect the will of the Nigerian people and that Nigerian authorities investigate and address any allegations of fraud or irregularities."
In a statement to the Nigerian people Goodluck writes. " In Nigeria, there is a breath of Fresh Air ushering an era of Transformation and Transparency and the walls of Corruption will be brought down not just by the government but by you the good people of Nigeria".
Then acting President, Jonathan attended the U.S. Nuclear Summit in Washington, D.C. this past April 12-13. During his visit President Obama expressed his appreciation for Nigeria’s participation in the Nuclear Security Summit and the opportunity to meet with Acting President Jonathan to discuss issues of mutual importance. Both President Obama Jonathan agreed to continue to work together on matters of advancing global security, particularly nuclear security and international compliance to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The leaders also discussed important security issues, including efforts to combat terrorism.
Today's visit was a continuation of those talks.
On Jonathan's FaceBook page he writes: "My life has always been about service. I am focused on serving my Creator, family and my country to the best of my ability and with your help I aim to be better at doing that."
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