The dinner party was organized for the President by the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce and The Corporate Council on Africa.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that President
Muhammadu Buhari cautioned his aides against smuggling Nigerian businessmen
into his meetings throughout his visit in the United States. This led to most
of the lobbying businessmen being prevented from meeting with the president.
Events went ugly when President Muhammadu Buhari was to
deliver a written speech at the dinner party and noticed some uninvited Nigerian Business men in the
audience who he suspected were brought into the event by the CBN Governor.
It would be recalled that Elumelu and Ovia were formidable
supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan but since Buhari’s victory,
these and many other businessmen have been looking for ways to warm themselves
into the Buhari fold.
During his remarks, Buhari departed from his prepared text
to tell the surprised crowd he was surprised to see Mr. Ovia, and that he
thought the CBN Governor had brought him along.
He also expressed surprise at the presence of Wale Tinubu, who happens
to be a good friend of Buhari’s All Progressives Congress chieftain, Bola
Tinubu.
The crowd, which mostly comprised of US businessmen, did not
fully understand the heart of Buhari’s position which wasn’t part of his
prepared speech for the evening.
According to Saharareporters, Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of
the United Bank for Africa also graced the event but was was only allowed to
greet President Buhari when the event was over.
Source
Sahara Reporters
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