Buhari's visit to Washington: a diplomatic somersault

President Buhari's visit to Washington: a diplomatic somersault

On the 20th of July 2015, President Barack Obama of the United States hosted President Mohammed Buhari at the White House. In his opening statement, President Obama had indicated concerns about the spread of Boko Haram, the prevailing violence, and the atrocities these terrorists have carried out so far. Obama further indicated that President Buhari had a very clear agenda in defeating Boko Haram and the wave of extremism in the country, adding that the regime has a very clear agenda with respect to rooting out the corruption that too often has held back the economic growth and prosperity of his country.

On both of these issues, President Obama stressed, “we’re looking forward to hearing more about his plans and how the United States can partner with Nigeria so that Nigeria ends up being an anchor not only of prosperity and stability in the eastern part of the continent, but can also be an outstanding role model for developing countries around the world."

Buhari on his part amongst his entourage had Governor Shettima of Bornu State to interact with Secretary of State John Kerry on the fight against Boko Haram. Boko Haram has bombed, killed, and massacred more than 500 innocent Nigerians since May 29th 2015. It was hoped that Governor Shettima would seize that opportunity to lay before President Obama the havoc and carnage Boko Haram has caused since May. This would help with a proper assessment of the situation and trigger the necessary assistance from the United States. Moreover, it is on record that Buhari did not travel with any of his new defense chiefs, or even their predecessors. 

I know that it was a surprise for Buhari and his entourage learning that President Obama acknowledged Nigeria’s Success story in the fight against Ebola and Polio, and pledge to sustain the gains in that area. Unfortunately, Buhari was not in the U.S. with a health minister or any health-related government official to intercede on health matters. Hear President Obama; " We’re also going to have an opportunity to talk about some of the other areas where Nigeria has taken leadership — in public health issues, fighting tragedies like Ebola. Nigeria has an outstanding track record working with us to eradicate polio, and that gives us a framework and a template to continue to work on public health issues throughout the western part of Africa, as well as throughout the subcontinent."

But this piece can’t be concluded without taking a look at Obama's parting shot for Buhari; " I’m looking forward to seeing him put together his team so that we can do everything that we can to help him succeed and help the people of Nigeria succeed. Because if they’re successful and doing well, that will have a ripple effect not only in West Africa, but throughout the world."

While President Obama is looking forward to seeing Buhari put his team together, Buhari wrote an article on the Washington Post same day announcing to the world that he will announce his cabinet in September. Here are his comments in part, “When cabinet ministers are appointed in September, it will be some months after I took the oath of office. It is worth noting that Obama himself did not have his full cabinet in place for several months after first taking office, the United States did not cease to function in the interim. In Nigeria's case, it would neither be prudent nor serve the interests of sound government to have made these appointments immediately on my elevation to the Presidency, instead Nigeria must first put new rules of conduct and good governance in place"

I am still trying to come in terms with the rationale of the above statement in the said article other than the fact that President Buhari has gone to an American print news outlet to lie against his host in a bid to justify his dictatorial rule over Nigeria. After the historic election of 2008, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America on January 20, 2009. On January 21, he appointed Hilary Clinton as Secretary of State; on February 2, 2009, he appointed Eric Holder as Attorney General, then Ken Salazar as Secretary of Interior on 20th January 20.

Obama continued with Tom Vislack, Agriculture January 21; Ray LaHood , Transportation January 23; Stephen Chu, Energy, January 20, and Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security, January 21. I can go on and on. Must Buhari rewrite the American history because of his disdain for constitutionality?

In the same article in the Washington Post Buhari referred to a "new set of rules and conduct.” The last time I checked, Buhari has not initiated any new bill to the National Assembly in respect to his so called "new rules of conduct." Or are we expecting new decrees without recourse to the National Assembly?

While responding to President Obama, Buhari in shear transposition of words and meaning stated, "And the maintenance of pressure by the United States, mainly, and Europe, to make sure that the elections were free, fair and credible led us to where we are now. It would have been almost impossible if the United States did not maintain the pressure on the former Nigerian government, but they would not accept anything less constitutional as far as the processes of the election are concerned. We will ever remain grateful to you because there are fundamental objectives that are identify all of Nigeria’s People’s Congress — security, economy, employment especially of youth, and then fighting corruption."

All I see in the above statement is the "maintenance of pressure" and the formation of a new political party called All Nigeria’s People’s Congress (ANPC) by Buhari. While President Obama's aids were attentively taking notes, the Governors on Buahri's entourage were gleefully waiting for Pictures with President Obama which they would use for their usual media propaganda. In all, if I may rightfully say, Buhari's visit to the White House was a Diplomatic somersault. A show of Shame!

- Oshiokpekhai Utu-Orbih

Story Response: phil_me14@yahoo.com