President Muhammadu Buhari has advised diplomats in the country to limit themselves within their schedules, and avoid intruding in the internal politics of the Nigeria as countdown to 2023 elections begins.
The President gave the advice in Abuja while receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, and Israel.
President Buhari reminded the Ambassadors that they were assuming their diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at a time attention was being focused on the next national elections, due in early 2023, emphasising that their neutrality will be appreciated.
The President called for the support of the envoys in tackling rising global insecurity, and strengthening of communality.
He said collaboration was needed to overcome the different factors responsible for the current global challenges, as their dynamism had overwhelmed the abilities of any single country to effectively contain alone.
He told them that Nigeria had continued to make steady progress, despite the daunting challenges, especially in the areas of insecurity, fight against corruption, diversification of the economy, and the efforts at promoting good governance.
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.
President Buhari urged the Ambassadors to build lasting friendships in the course of performing their duties that would go beyond their routines.
On the regional level, the President said Nigeria would continue to work with other member-states of ECOWAS and regional blocs to deal with the problems of terrorism, trans-border crimes, banditry, maritime issues, and unconstitutional change of government.
President Buhari assured of partnership and mutual co-operation in canvassing more Foreign Direct Investments, FDI, in healthcare system, education, infrastructure, local manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, and transportation.
He said the countries the Ambassadors were representing had enjoyed cordial, bilateral relations and co-operation with Nigeria, spanning across socio-economic and cultural spheres.
The President stressed that the envious task of building on the successes of their respective predecessors would further advance the existing relations to significant heights.
While speaking on behalf of the diplomats, the Ambassador of Czech Republic assured the President of a comprehensive co-operation of the representatives.
He said the envoys would work for the development of Nigeria, through strengthening of mutual and beneficial relations with their countries.
Bello Wakili
