Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington, has been summoned by the Federal Government to explain what President Donald Trump meant with his description of African countries, including Nigeria, as ‘shithole’.
Since Mr Trump allegedly made the remarks last week, he has come under heavy criticisms from different quarters, including from his own country.
The US President was said to have made the remarks at a private meeting with lawmakers on immigration on Thursday.
A US Senator, who attended the gathering, said Mr Trump used “vile, vulgar” language, including repeatedly using the word “shithole” when speaking about African countries.
But on Friday, President Trump denied ever using such derogatory language.
A number of African countries have summoned US Ambassadors in their respective nations to explain what Mr Trump meant by the statement.
Responding to a text message sent to him by Reuters on Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, confirmed that Mr Symington has been summoned by the FG.
However, the Minister gave no further details on the issue.
