2023: Don’t Interfere In Our Politics – Buhari Warns Diplomats

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.

The President who spoke on Thursday urged them to focus on their diplomatic duties and responsibilities while allowing local politics to go ahead.

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 Ambassadors of Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci; Italy, Stephano De Leo; Spain, Juan Sanz, and Israel, Michael Freeman.

According to him, the diplomats should be guided by the provisions of diplomatic engagement and face their duties squarely by avoiding political distractions.

The statement titled ‘Observe, but don’t interfere in internal politics, President Buhari tells diplomats ahead of 2023 elections’ reads: “You are assuming your diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at a 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.’’

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.

According to him, “We are living in unprecedented times and with so many uncertainties, especially with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the rise in global insecurity and the devastation of our environments caused by Climate Change among other existential threats to our collective peace, progress and shared values.

“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.

“For us in Nigeria, we continue to make steady progress despite the daunting challenges, especially in the areas of insecurity, fight against corruption, diversification of the economy, and our efforts in promoting good governance, amongst other aspirations.

“We are engaging in frank self-retrospection in order to identify and isolate appropriate containment strategies that can help de-escalate the drift into the unconstitutional seizure of power in the sub-region.

“The countries which you all represent, namely, Czech Republic, Republic of Italy, Kingdom of Spain and State of Israel, enjoy very cordial bilateral relations and cooperation with Nigeria that span across our socio-economic and cultural spheres.

“Therefore, the envious task of building on the successes of your respective predecessors will further advance our relations to significant heights for the benefits of our countries and peoples.

“As you settle down to your diplomatic responsibilities, I am sure that you will appreciate the uniqueness and strength in our country’s political, socio-economic and cultural diversities, in terms of both human and natural resources,’’ the President said.

Responding on behalf of others, the Ambassador of Czech Republic promised they would work together to promote mutually beneficial relationships.