Buhari Tasks Foreign Envoys On Neutrality In 2023 Polls

In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, urged foreign envoys in Nigeria to be guided by diplomatic practices in ensuring that their activities remained within the limits of their profession.
Receiving Letters of Credence at State House from the Ambassadors of Japan, European Union, Burundi, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Cape Verde, France, Qatar as well as the High Commissioners of Sierra Leone and Ghana, the President in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, told them that they were assuming diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at a very interesting political period.
‘‘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 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,’’ President Buhari said.
The President told the newly accredited envoys that he looked forward to a more robust relationship with each of their countries.
He 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.