President Muhammadu Buhari has warned foreigners and diplomats representing their countries in Nigeria to stay away from any form of interference in the nation’s 2023 general elections.
Buhari was quoted in a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, to have said this at the State House in Abuja, when he received letters of credence from the ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Spain Italy and Israel at the State House, Abuja.
The ambassadors are Zdenek Krejci, of the Czech Republic; Stephano De Leo, of Italy; Juan Ignacio, of Spain and Michael Shual Freeman, of Israel.
Speaking during the presentation of the letters, the President told the diplomats that they are assuming their diplomatic responsibilities at a “very interesting political period”, and advised them to ensure that their activities remain within the limits of their profession.
According to him, the diplomats should be guided by the provisions of diplomatic engagement and face their duties squarely by avoiding political distractions.
In the statement, which was titled: ‘Observe, but don’t interfere in internal politics, President Buhari tells diplomats ahead of 2023 elections’, the President pointed out that the countries the diplomats represent have enjoyed a good relationship with Nigeria spanning several years, and therefore urged the new representatives to work towards greater collaborative efforts.
Responding on behalf of others, the Ambassador of Czech Republic promised they would work together to promote mutually beneficial relationships.
