2023 poll: Buhari asks foreign envoys to maintain neutrality

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked foreign envoys to be guided by diplomatic practices ahead of the 2023 general election.

In a statement on Monday, Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, stated that Buhari asked the diplomats to ensure that their activities remain within the limits of their profession.

According to Adesina, the president had received letters of credence at the state house from the ambassadors of Japan, European Union, Burundi, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Cape Verde, France, Qatar and and high commissioners of Sierra Leone and Ghana.

“Nigeria’s national elections are due in early 2023. The momentum for enhanced political activities is therefore expected to commence soon,” Buhari said.

“The nature of our politicking often gives the impression of very rancorous engagements. It is 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 is my hope that you will also be guided by diplomatic practices, to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession.

“It is 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 will make it a point of duty to appreciate our country’s diversity as a source of not only pride but advantage as we are definitely stronger together.

“You will 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 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.”

The president further informed the ambassadors that Nigeria is making steady progress in security despite daunting challenges.