Vows to resolutely defend Nigerians’ votes
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, in Abuja advised those planning to rig the 2023 general elections to perish the thought, vowing to use every legitimate means to protect the votes of Nigerians.
According to an issued press statement to newsmen, the President declared at an Iftar dinner with members of the Diplomatic Corps, that “those planning to rig the forthcoming elections should think twice, because I intend to resolutely protect and defend the sacred will of the Nigerian people, to be expressed through the ballot box”.
President Buhari also cautioned against foreign interference in the forthcoming elections.
Addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Nigerian leader called for greater consideration for humanitarian conditions in the affected areas in the ongoing crisis, warning that the conflict will get worse if an immediate resolution is not found.
President Buhari welcomed the recent initiative of UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres, of visiting Moscow and Kyiv, commending his efforts in search of a ceasefire, as a prelude to other enduring solutions.
The President urged the world, especially the Muslim community, to use the solemn and rewarding month of Ramadan, and especially these last days of the fast, to intensify prayers for de-escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and for the return of peace to the world.
President Buhari also used the occasion to apprise members of the international community on some of the critical issues that are currently on the front burner of this Administrations agenda and spirited efforts in handling them.
On regional security, the President told the diplomats that the impact of the Libyan crisis on the countries in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, West and Central Africa is still enormous and catastrophic.
He expressed concern about the free circulation of small and light arms in these regions, made worse by the uncontrolled expulsion of foreign fighters from Libya without adequate consultations with the countries of the region.
He also acknowledged the support of Nigerias friends and partners in the global community, particularly the European Union and the United States for their understanding, support and agreement to allow us to procure vital equipment and resources to successfully propagate this war’.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Amb. Ibrahima Salaheddine, pledged that the international community would continue to support Nigeria before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Amb. Salaheddine, who described this years Iftar as special, noted that due to Covid-19 the tradition of meeting the President for the breaking of the fast did not hold for two years.
He, therefore, congratulated the Nigerian government for curtailing the spread of the pandemic, saying the ‘enlightened leadership’ of President Buhari has largely brought its spread in Nigeria under control.
