In the
build-up to the 2023 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in
Abuja urged foreign envoys in Nigeria to be guided by diplomatic practices to
ensure that their activities remain within the limits of their profession.
Receiving
Letters of Credence at State House from the Ambassadors of Japan, European
Union, Burundi, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Cape Verde, France, Qatar; and High
Commissioners of Sierra Leone and Ghana, the President told them that they were
assuming diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at a very interesting political
period.
‘‘Nigeria’s
national elections are due in early 2023. The momentum for enhanced political
activities is therefore expected to commence soon.
‘‘The
nature of our politicking often gives the impression of very rancorous
engagements. It is the nature of politics here. Besides, democracy and related
democratic activities in the build-up to elections are necessarily rowdy and
very argumentative, but very much within the limits of freedom of action that
the art of democracy permits.
‘‘As you
settle down in the face of these developments, it is my hope that you will also
be guided by diplomatic practices, to ensure that your activities remain within
the limits of your profession,’’ President Buhari said.
The
President told the newly accredited envoys that he looked forward to a more robust
relationship with each of their countries.
He declared
that Nigeria is open to more foreign direct investments in the Education,
Health, Transportation and Agricultural sectors, and would welcome improved
bilateral relations, especially in wider trading and cultural contacts.
The
President acknowledged that while Nigeria enjoys very cordial bilateral
relations with the aforementioned countries, their diplomatic representatives
must work harder to enhance this level of relationship in the interest of the
peoples of our countries.
‘‘It is my
hope that, as you settle down to your responsibilities of promoting unity,
amity, enhanced understanding, better economic opportunities and the pursuit of
peace between your respective countries and the Federal Government of Nigeria,
you will make it a point of duty to appreciate our country’s diversity as a
source of not only pride but advantage as we are definitely stronger together.
‘‘You will
find in us as people, the level of vibrancy that defines us, as uniquely
Nigerian, eager to make friends, learn other people’s way of living and imbued
with great appetite for adaptation.
‘‘Excellencies,
the world will definitely be a better place and much easier place to live in if
all cultivate the culture of patience and tolerance in order to appreciate the
values of each of us and the contributions that we all can make, for
sustainable peace and development, globally,’’ he said.
On
security, President Buhari told the ambassadors that more partnerships were
needed to fully overcome daunting challenges in the country.
‘‘As a
Government and as a nation, we continue to make steady progress despite
daunting challenges, notably in the area of security.
‘‘Different
factors accounted for this, amongst which are, first, that insecurity linked to
terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrimes, and maritime issues, are
transborder acts that go beyond the abilities of any single country to
effectively contain.
‘‘That is
why, matters of security have become the business of all the nations of the
world to work together to overcome. Second, our borders are very long and
porous, and their effective policing has become a daunting challenge.
‘‘Third,
easy circulation of small arms and light weapons, from the Sahel-Libya axis and
the Central African region, have made access to these weapons readily available
which inevitably compounds our national and regional security.
‘‘Despite
these huge challenges, concerted efforts by Government and our Armed Forces
have accounted for the largely degraded capacities of terrorists across the
country,’’ he said.
The newly
accredited Ambassadors are Matsunaga Kazuyoshi (Japan), Leena Pylvanainen
(Finland), Samuela Isopi (European Union), Maria Jeanne Ntakirutimana (Burundi)
Monsieur Sune Krogstrup (Denmark), Sile Maguire (Ireland), Belarmino Silva
(Cape Verde), Ali Ghanem Ali Alfahed Alhajri (Qatar) and Emmanuella Blatmann
(France).
The High
Commissioners are Sydney Dowu Davies (Sierra Leone) and Alhaji Rashid Bawa
(Ghana).
Speaking on
behalf of the Ambassadors, the Japanese Ambassador pledged that they are
willing to strengthen existing bilateral relations with Nigeria, assuring that
they would work together and explore ways to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.
He wished
the President good health and prosperity for Nigeria.
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