Jonathan Meets Obama At Blair House

Nigeria’s acting president Goodluck E. Jonathan met with US president Obama today at the Blair House, which serves as US President Obama’s Guest House- a few meters across from the White House. Mr. Jonathan was accompanied to the meeting by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Joy Ogwu, the minister of foreign affairs Odein Ajumogobiadd and  Nigeria Ambassador to the US, Ade Adefuye.

Saharareporters learnt that Jonathan could not be accompanied by any of the state governors in his delegation because the governors could not agree among themselves who will accompany the “Acting President” to see Obama. There were also some hitches because Nigerian embassy officials in Washington DC did not send the names of some Jonathan aides and their photos on time to enable them get clearance to enter the venue of the meeting.




The meeting with Obama, which was scheduled as a courtesy call, lasted 15 minutes after which Jonathan met with US state Department officials before retiring to his hotel -The Westin Grand, Washington D.C. Obama’s meeting with Jonathan was his first meeting with any Nigerian leader since coming to office in January 2009. Today, in addition to meeting Jonathan, President Obama also met India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Jacob Zuma of South Africa, and Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani of Pakistan.