By Ezeocha Nzeh
Ahead of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned foreign diplomats in the country to remain confined with the duty call of their postings, by staying within the limits of their schedule, and not to interfere with the internal politics of Nigeria
President Buhari gave the caution on Thursday, when he received the Ambassadors of Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci; Italy, Stephano De Leo; Spain, Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz and Israel, Michael Shual Freeman, who presented their Letter of Credence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. While welcoming the envoys, the President said: “You are assuming your diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at very interesting political period as Nigeria’s national elections are due in early 2023.
“As you settle down in the face of these developments, it is my hope that you will also be guided by diplomatic practice, to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to and the conduct of the general elections next year.’’
President Buhari called for the support of the envoys in tackling rising global insecurity, and strengthening of communality. According to him, “We are living in unprecedented times and with so many uncertainties, especially with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the rise in global insecurity and the devastation of our environments caused by Climate Change among other existential threats to our collective peace, progress and shared values.
“Different factors that accounted for these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain alone. Matters of security have become the business of all the nations of the world to work closely together to build consensus in order to overcome these challenges.” “For us in Nigeria,’’ President Buhari told the diplomats, “We continue to make steady progress despite the daunting challenges, especially in the areas of insecurity, fight against corruption, diversification of the economy, and our efforts in promoting good governance, amongst other aspirations.’’
The President noted that Nigeria’s differences and divergence in culture and religion had contributed immensely in cementing unity, as a people, as well as spurring religious tolerance and respect for one another.
He urged the Ambassadors to build lasting friendships in the course of performing their duties that will go beyond assignments in Nigeria.
