President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday February 10, warned diplomats against interfering with Nigerian politics. 

Speaking during the presentation of Letters of Credence to Ambassadors of Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci; Italy, Stephano De Leo; Spain, Juan Sanz and Israel, Michael Freeman, Buhari asked them to ensure that their activities remain within the limits of their profession as they monitor the build-up to and the conduct of the general elections next year.

In the statement titled ‘Observe, but don’t interfere in internal politics, President Buhari tells diplomats ahead of 2023 elections’, which was released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari was quoted saying; 

“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 Nigerian leader also called for the support of the envoys in tackling rising global insecurity, and strengthening communality.

Buhari said; 

“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.’’