By Blessing Etim & Lois O. Adams
President Muhammadu Buhari has advised diplomats in the country to stay within the limits of their schedules, and not intrude in the internal politics of the country as countdown to 2023 elections begins.
The President who said this during presentation of Letters of Credence Ceremony held at the State House, Abuja on the 10th of February 2021, welcomed the Ambassadors of Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci; Italy, Stephano De Leo; Spain, Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz as well as the Ambassador of Israel, Michael Shual Freeman.
“You are assuming your diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at very interesting political period as Nigeria’s national elections are due in early 2023.
“As you settle down in the face of these developments, it is my hope that you will also be guided by diplomatic practice, to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to and the conduct of the general elections next year.’
Buhari further called for the support of the envoys in tackling rising global insecurity, and strengthening of communality, maintaining that we live in unprecedented times filled with so many uncertainties, especially with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.
“Different factors that accounted for these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain alone. Matters of security have become the business of all the nations of the world to work closely together to build consensus in order to overcome these challenges,’’ he said.
On the regional level, the President said Nigeria will 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.
He however urged the Ambassadors to build lasting friendships in the course of performing their duties in the country and beyond.
In his response, the Ambassador of Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci on behalf of the diplomats assured the President of ‘comprehensive cooperation’’ of the representatives.
Krejc said the envoys will work for the development of Nigeria, through strengthening of mutual and beneficial relations with their countries.
Before presenting their letters to the president, the envoys of the four countries received a full salute by the presidential guard.
