The Presidency has dismissed claims by a section of the media that President Muhammadu Buhari accused the U.S of helping the terrorist group, Boko Haram, saying such reports were untrue and `widely off mark’.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

Adesina said the reports were an unfortunate misinterpretation and distortion of the president's remarks at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) during his state visit to Washington DC.

According to Adesina, Buhari made it abundantly clear in those remarks that he was convinced that the U.S can never support groups such as Boko Haram.

``I know the American people cannot support any group engaged in these crimes.

``The regrets expressed by President Buhari at USIP about the impact of the application of the Leahy Law on Nigeria's war against Boko Haram and terrorism cannot be construed as an indictment of President Barack Obama and the United States Government.

Adesina quoted the President Barack Obama as having publicly and privately declared his preparedness to give the Buhari Administration the fullest possible support and assistance in the fight against insurgency.

`` President Buhari's comments on the adverse effect of the Leahy Law on Nigeria's efforts to contain Boko Haram's atrocious acts of terrorism should only be taken as a passionate appeal for even greater understanding and support”, he said.

Adesina added that Buhari has nothing but the highest possible regard for President Obama, the U.S. Government, the people of the U.S., their laws and institutions.

``The President had very successful and useful talks with President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry.

``He also has successful talks with other high-ranking US government officials and members of United States Congress during his visit to Washington DC.

``It is his expectation that those talks will lead to better mutual understanding and a further deepening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United”, he said.(NAN)

*Photo shows Presidents Buhari and Obama exchanging pleasantries during last Monday's meeting in Washington, DC.

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