I sit in Aso Rock with clear conscience -Buhari tells Trump’s envoy

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja told the new United States of America ambassador to Nigeria that he has kept faith with his oath of office.

“I sit here with a clear conscience. I took an oath and I am honouring the office,’’ he said.

Buhari spoke against the backdrop of the recent classification of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant nation and its being put on a US watchlist, along with China, Burma, Eritrea and some other nations.

The President, who received Letters of Credence of United States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Mary Beth Leonard, urged her to ensure that the embassy’s sources of information on Nigeria cut across all sectors as some people might provide misleading and manipulative narratives for self-serving purposes, ignoring the larger picture of a united country.

He said the recent listing of Nigeria for human rights concerns created an impression that some people were being unfairly treated or marginaliSed in the country.

“I know that those with access have created an impression of being marginalised.

President Buhari said he took some time to explain the situation in the country when he met with President Donald Trump in Washington DC as the American President expressed concern with reports of attacks on segments of the society.

“It is not an easy task to work for the unity of the country, and I am doing my best. During your stay in the country I am asking you to ensure that your sources of strategic information cut across,’’ he added.

The President urged the envoy to use the opportunity of her posting to Nigeria, with her experience, knowledge and energy to get the facts on the country.

In her remarks, the United States Ambassador said Nigeria was listed on a watch list to deepen conversation on the humanitarian situation in the country, accepting that some people could “flare the flames and crystallize issues’’ that could affect peaceful-coexistence.

“There are people who make things less attractive than they seem,’’ she said, noting that the report will deepen conversation of the situation in the country, especially with religious leaders and mediators.

“I want to assure that the United States recognises and celebrates the integration in Nigeria.’’

She said the United States will always side with transparent processes.

The Ambassador said Nigerians and America have a lot in common in terms of “being big among neighbours, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial”.

Leonard assured President Buhari of support from the United States, especially on the humanitarian challenges, while appreciating the willingness to always share useful information and intelligence with her country.

“I feel it’s a privilege and great honour to be here; coming to see the giant of Africa. I have worked for 30 decades before coming to Nigeria. We will do a lot together for peace, security and delivering humanitarian assistance,’’ she added.

President Buhari also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Nigeria, Ahamed Lebbe Sabarullah Khan.

The President appreciated the country for supporting Nigeria to provide the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner said: “Our countries face similar challenges and we will support each other.’’

He said Sri Lanka will also strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria on trade and investments.