2023: Buhari warns diplomats not to engage in Nigeria’s elections

As the countdown to the 2023 elections begins, President Muhammadu Buhari issued an advisory to diplomats in the nation on Thursday in Abuja, advising them to keep within their schedules and not meddle in Nigeria’s domestic affairs. 

President Buhari, who welcomed the Ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci; Italy, Stephano De Leo; Spain, Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz; and Israel, Michael Shual Freeman, at the presentation of Letters of Credence ceremony held at the State House, said in a statement released by presidential spokesman Femi Adesina: “You are assuming your diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at a very interesting political period as Nigeria’s national elections are due in”  

“While you settle in to deal with these changes, I trust you will be led by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities stay within the bounds of your profession as you observe the build-up to and conduct of the general elections next year.” 

The President requested the envoys’ assistance in combating increasing global insecurity and establishing communal bonds. 

“We are living in unprecedented times, with so many unknowns, including the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, the growth in global instability, and the devastation of our surroundings caused by Climate Change, among other existential threats to our collective peace, development, and shared ideals.”  

“Different elements that contributed to these difficulties are beyond any single country’s ability to adequately contain. Security issues have become the responsibility of all governments throughout the world to collaborate closely in order to address these difficulties,” he added. 

“Despite the enormous obstacles, we continue to make steady progress in Nigeria, President Buhari told the ambassadors, particularly in the areas of insecurity, fight against corruption, economic diversification, and our efforts in promoting good governance, among other ambitions.” 

The President stated that Nigeria’s cultural and religious diversity has greatly contributed to the country’s cohesiveness as a people, as well as religious tolerance and respect for one another.  

President Buhari urged the Ambassadors to build lasting friendships in the course of performing their duties that will go beyond assignments in Nigeria.