Against the backdrop of insinuations in certain quarters that the purported phone call from the US President Donald Trump to President Mohammadu Buhari on Monday was a hoax, the White House has indeed confirmed the telephone conversation between the two leaders.
“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,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.
Also in response to Premium Times inquiries U.S. Department of State through Tiffany Jackson-Zunker, Deputy Director, Africa Regional Media Hub at the State Department, sent the newspaper an email containing a readout of the telephone call.
The readout read, “President, Donald J. Trump spoke this week with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria to discuss the strong cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, including on shared security, economic, and governance priorities.
“President Trump underscored the importance the United States places on its relationship with Nigeria, and he expressed interest in working with President Buhari to expand the strong partnership.
“The leaders agreed to continue close coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and worldwide.
“President Trump expressed support for the sale of aircraft from the United States to support Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram.
“President Trump thanked President Buhari for the leadership he has exercised in the region and emphasized the importance of a strong, secure, and prosperous Nigeria that continues to lead in the region and in international forums.”
Ms. Jackson-Zunker also said a text of the readout had been posted to the White House website.
These revelations have proven beyond all doubts that President Buhari did have a telephone conversation with President Trump.
