By TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE, Lagos

The United States (US) Mission in Nigeria has explained why it met with the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and chairman of Association of Fulani Chiefs in South-West Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Bambado.

The mission gave the explanation on its official Facebook page, saying the meeting was held at the Consul-General’s official residence in Lagos and not at the Sarkin Fulani’s palace as portrayed by some online media platforms.

A source said the meeting was at the instance of the diplomatic mission which invited the Sarkin Fulani to the consul-general’s residence.

He said details of the meeting and photographs of the visit are on the official Facebook page, US Mission Nigeria, and materials were posted on March 5 at 3.30 p.m.

On the page, the purpose of the meeting was quoted as “The US firmly believes that diversity is a strength and not a weakness.

“Mission leadership appreciated the discussion with the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos on how to promote inter-ethnic dialogue and understanding.”

Aside this statement were three photographs, with one showing the US Consul-General, Claire Pierangelo; the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard; the Sarkin Fulani, Mohammed Bambado and another black man.

This photo is the one trending on social media platforms. The Sarkin Fulani, while confirming the visit, said he was invited based on his position as the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and also the coordinator of Fulani chiefs in the South-West. (Nigerian Tribune)

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