Obama US President says Buhari has reputation for integrity

He said Nigerians "understand that only through a peaceful political process can change take place.”

U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington July 20, 2015. AFP 

U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington July 20, 2015. AFP 

President of the United States, Barack Obama, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his "reputation for integrity and clear agenda," which he said got him the March 28, 2015 election victory.

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U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington July 20, 2015.

 (AFP)

Obama stated this at the ongoing meeting Buhari at the White House today, July 20 where the two leaders are discussing, mainly, how to  end the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives in the northern part of Nigeria.

“President Buhari comes into office with a reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda,” Obama said.

“And that is to make sure that he is bringing safety and security and peace to his country.”

He said Nigerians "understand that only through a peaceful political process can change take place.”

In his response, Buhari expressed gratitude to the US for its support during the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, saying the polls were free, fair and credible because of pressure from the US.

“We will ever be grateful,” he said.

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U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington July 20, 2015.

 (AFP)

Obama further stated that successful reforms would mean that“Nigeria ends up being an anchor, not only of prosperity and stability” but, he said, the country “can also be an outstanding role model for developing countries around the world.”

He reassured of US help to address the issues that have stalled Nigeria's progress.

Buhari jetted out of the country on Sunday morning, July 19, 2015 with a 33-man delegation and arrived the Joint Base Andrews Int'l Airport, Washington DC at about 9:48PM Nigerian time.