In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Monday urged foreign envoys in the country to be guided by diplomatic practices to ensure that their activities remain within the limits of their profession.
Receiving Letters of Credence at State House from the Ambassadors of European Union, Japan, Denmark, Finland, Burundi, Ireland, Cape Verde, France, Qatar; and High Commissioners of Sierra Leone and Ghana, the President told them that they were assuming diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at a very interesting political period.
This was disclosed in a statement by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
“Nigeria’s national elections are due in early 2023. The momentum for enhanced political activities is therefore expected to commence soon.
“The nature of our politicking often gives the impression of very rancorous engagements. It’s the nature of politics here. Besides, democracy and related democratic activities in the build-up to elections are necessarily rowdy and very argumentative but very much within the limits of freedom of action that the art of democracy permits.
“As you settle down in the face of these developments, it’s my hope that you will also be guided by diplomatic practices to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession,” Buhari said.
Buhari told the newly accredited envoys that he looked forward to a more robust relationship with each of their countries.
The President declared that Nigeria is open to more foreign direct investments in the Education, Health, Transportation and Agricultural sectors, and would welcome improved bilateral relations, especially in wider trading and cultural contacts.
He said, “It’s my hope that, as you settle down to your responsibilities of promoting unity, amity, enhanced understanding, better economic opportunities and the pursuit of peace between your respective countries and the Federal Government of Nigeria, you’ll make it a point of duty to appreciate our country’s diversity as a source of not only pride but advantage as we’re definitely stronger together.
“You’ll find in us as people, the level of vibrancy that defines us, as uniquely Nigerian, eager to make friends, learn other people’s way of living and imbued with great appetite for adaptation.
“Excellencies, the world will definitely be a better place and much easier place to live in if we all cultivate the culture of patience and tolerance in order to appreciate the values of each of us and the contributions that we all can make, for sustainable peace and development, globally.”
On security, Buhari told the ambassadors that more partnerships were needed to fully overcome daunting challenges in the country.
The newly accredited Samuela Isopi (European Union), Ambassadors are Matsunaga Kazuyoshi (Japan), Leena Pylvanainen (Finland), Maria Jeanne Ntakirutimana (Burundi) Sile Maguire (Ireland), Belarmino Silva (Cape Verde), Monsieur Sune Krogstrup (Denmark), Emmanuella Blatmann (France) and Ali Ghanem Ali Alfahed Alhajri (Qatar).
The High Commissioners are Alhaji Rashid Bawa (Ghana) and Sydney Dowu Davies (Sierra Leone).
2023 elections: Be guided by diplomatic practices – Buhari urges foreign envoys
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