The Federal Government has summoned the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, to explain the vulgar remarks credited to President Donald Trump that immigrants from Africa and Haiti come from “shithole countries” as widely reported.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, confirmed the summon in a response to a text message from Reuters, but gave no further details, according to the news agency.
Reaction from the Nigerian government follows open condemnation of Trump by African countries, leaders from the continent and beyond, as well as several global organisations and countries.
Trump reportedly made the comment during a private meeting on immigration with select bipartisan members of congress last Thursday. At least, three attendees have been on record to confirm that the president did make the derogatory remark that has earned him the tag of a racist.
Following the public outcry that met the remark, Trump Friday denied it, telling journalists that he’s not a racist.